Pallet falls on, kills Menards employee in Golden Valley

A Menards employee died Thursday morning after an accident at the Golden Valley store.

Golden Valley Police said officers and the Golden Valley Fire Department responded to the store on Wayzata Boulevard at 10:05 a.m. after a caller reported an employee was pinned under a forklift.

First responders learned the man died when a pallet of lumber fell on the forklift he was operating.

His name will be released after family members have been notified.

Menards released the following statement to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Thursday night:

"We are a small family here at Golden Valley and we are all in shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Teammate’s family."

A sign posted on the store’s doors Thursday night said:

"Out of respect for James, his family and extended family here at Menards, We will be closed until 12:00 (noon) on Friday July 23rd, 2021 to properly mourn his passing.

"Out of respect for our Customers who depend on us for their essentials, we feel we need to re-open at noon.

"We deeply thank you for your prayers and expressions of sympathy."