ArcelorMittal manager burned in Burns Harbor explosion dies in hospital

MAYWOOD, Ill. | A Portage man who was badly burned in a steel mill explosion last month died Tuesday, officials said.

Gabe Rocha died about 1:30 p.m at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill., according to a Cook County medical examiner's spokesman.

Rocha, 53, was admitted to the medical center's burn unit after being burned on his backside from his head to his calves.

He was in a medically induced coma after suffering burns on 55 percent of his body when steam hoses and piping burst Oct. 29 at ArcelorMittal's Burns Harbor plant.

A company representative said Tuesday night the cause of the explosion still is under investigation.

Rocha was a manager at the plant.

ArcelorMittal issued a statement late Tuesday night in regard to Rocha's death.

"The entire ArcelorMittal family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Rocha this afternoon and our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Gabe Rocha during this difficult time."

This story has been updated from the published version.