Florida Pastry Chef Mordehay Grunberger, 71, Dies After Industrial Dough Mixer Accident
MORDEHAY GRUNBERGER, a beloved Florida pastry chef, was tragically killed early Friday morning following a workplace accident involving an industrial bread-making machine, according to local authorities.
Mordehay “Miki” Grunberger, 71, was found dead at the South Florida Kosher Market in North Miami Beach, where he worked as a longtime employee and head pastry chef. Police said Grunberger became lodged in an industrial dough mixer, resulting in fatal injuries.
The North Miami Beach Police Department confirmed officers responded to the scene early Friday morning and believe the incident was accidental.
“At this time, there are no signs of foul play, and we believe the incident was an accident involving an industrial dough mixer,” police said, according to NBC 6 South Florida.
Following the incident, the grocery store temporarily closed its doors on Friday, CBS Miami reported. Authorities have not released details about what led up to the accident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Grunberger identified himself as a head pastry chef on his Facebook page and was widely described as a dedicated professional with a deep passion for his craft.
His wife, Inna Gastman Moar, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing her grief over the sudden loss. Friends, family members, and community members flooded her page with condolences, memories, and photos honoring Grunberger’s life and kindness. One loved one described him as having a “noble heart,” while another called him “a wonderful person and a great friend” who touched many lives.
Police confirmed that Grunberger’s death remains under investigation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also conducting an independent investigation into the fatal workplace accident.
