‘A lot of people screaming’: Olive Garden cook dies by suicide at work in the worst possible way

I’m not a huge fan of content warnings. I mean, if you click on a story with a headline promising something disturbing and gruesome, I figure you know what you’re letting yourself in for. But, in instance, I can only underline that if you’re squeamish you should maybe read something else. You’ve been warned!

An Olive Garden restaurant in Williamsport, Pennsylvania erupted into terrified chaos late last week when an unidentified employee (who was apparently on PCP) chose to end his life in one of the most painful and bizarre ways possible, while ensuring that his poor co-workers suffered maximum trauma in the process.

As reported by multiple 911 calls, the employee removed his clothes in the kitchen, attempted to harm himself, and… dunked his head into a deep fat fryer.

Somebody in my city/town got high on PCP and literally shoved their head in a fryer at Olive Garden multiple times after stripping naked. How is this INSANE shit not covered by national news?? I’ve worked music festivals as security and I’ve never seen anything close to that.

— Taco Shirt Krillin (@tacoshirtK) February 5, 2026

Audio from the 911 dispatcher was released, in which the dispatcher says:

“I don’t have a lot of details. A lot of people screaming. Some kind of a burn victim. … A male victim went headfirst into the… fryers.”

An ambulance crew soon arrived at the kitchen to administer aid, rushing the victim to hospital. Sadly, there was no surviving this, and the victim died of his injuries. Two other people suffered minor burns, inflicted while trying to stop the male cook from injuring himself further.

The restaurant is already open again

Olive Garden has been asked for comment, but has stayed quiet. Perhaps that’s understandable given the circumstances, as what can they say at this point? But the corporate machine must march on, and the New York Post has confirmed that mere days later, the branch reopened.

News this bizarre must travel fast, and I can’t imagine an incident like this is good for business. For one, there’s no confirmation that the deep fat fryers have been replaced or even deep cleaned (though you’d have to imagine they would… right?).

Even so, the staff there are going to be completely shell-shocked by this experience – I can’t imagine simply going back to work in the same environment without horrible flashbacks. But, I suppose there are still breadsticks that need to be served, so it’s back to work, everyone!

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website for support and resources.