A worker in a tuna factory was killed last week when he was cooked inside one of the processing machines.

Jose Melena's body was found within a steamer machine at a southern California Bumble Bee Foods factory.

The incident occurred on Oct. 13 in Santa Fe Springs. Authorities are unaware of how the 62-year-old factory worker got into the machine, according to the New York Daily News.

The family and friends of Melena got together on Sunday at his Wilmington home to mourn his passing. Antonio Melena, son of the dead worker, told CBS that he doesn't want people to remember his father for the strange way he died, but to remember him as a good man.

"He was just grateful he had a job," said Antonio about his father. "That he could pay his bills and provide food for his family."

He added, "It's hard to believe what's going on. And what's happening. It's just been really tough."

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating how Jose ended up in the machine that cooked him alive.

"He wanted it to be an example for us, to be honest, truthful and hard working," said his grieving son. "And I very much remember everything from my dad."

Jose's death shocked his friends, family and his place of work.

"The entire Bumble Bee Foods family is saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Melena family," said Bumble Bee in a statement.

On Monday, the Santa Fe Springs Bumble Bee plant will continue operations alongside the investigation to determine how the accident occurred.