A beloved Wichita dad known for his karaoke skills and warm smile has died after a freak accident at work.
Phonesay “Cruz” Rasbandith, 50, was fatally injured while operating a hydraulic press at an aerospace metal finishing shop in Wichita, Kansas, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, according to local outlets The Wichita Eagle, KSN, and KAKE.
Police said a piece of metal separated from the press and struck Rasbandith in the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after 8:30 a.m., Wichita Police Officer Rick Pena confirmed to The Eagle. Investigators are still looking into exactly what happened.
Rasbandith, who was born in Laos and known affectionately as “Cruz,” was described in his obituary as “the life of any party” and a dependable friend who “loved music and singing karaoke.”
“He cherished the time he got to spend with his friends and family and was always warm and welcoming to everyone,” his loved ones wrote.
Cruz was a well-known figure in Wichita’s Lao community, remembered for his energy, kindness, and ability to make anyone feel at home. He’s survived by his parents, stepmother, two siblings, and two children.
His funeral will be held Nov. 1 at Reflection Pointe Funeral & Cremation Services in Wichita.
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