Autopsy finds no drugs in man killed in postal machine in Allen Park, death ruled accidental

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – An autopsy has revealed that a man killed in a postal machine had no substances or drugs in his system at the time of death.

Nicholas John Acker, 36, of Trenton, was found stuck in a machine on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center in Allen Park.

Firefighters said Acker’s body had been in the machine for 6-8 hours before they arrived.

The center is a mail processing facility with many large machines.

It’s still unknown how he got inside the machine.

---> Close friend says he helped pull Allen Park postal worker’s body from machine, slams ‘toxic’ culture

The medical examiner’s report revealed mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, meaning his breathing was obstructed, leading to suffocation. His body was reportedly wedged between a guard rail and a conveyor belt, which caused multiple cuts and scrapes.

The toxicology reports detected caffeine and nicotine, but no other drugs or alcohol, so his death was ruled accidental.

In a statement, Acker’s family said the findings confirm he was not impaired, reckless, or responsible for the circumstances leading to his death.

“With these findings, the focus must now shift -- fully and immediately -- to the real question: What caused the death of Nicholas Acker?” the statement read. “The Acker family is seeking answers, accountability, and justice for Nicholas. They deserve nothing less.”

A GoFundMe has been organized for his family. You can donate here.

Our coverage of this story

• Man found dead at U.S. Postal Service facility in Wayne County
• Allen Park worker was stuck in machine for hours before firefighters found body, they say
• USPS responds after Allen Park worker’s body found in machine after hours
• Allen Park postal worker death: What we know so far about man’s death
• Worker killed at Allen Park postal facility was engaged, spent 9 years in Air Force
• ‘What happened, how long was he there?’: Allen Park worker’s family left in dark after death
• Fiancée slams ‘gross, inhumane’ statement from USPS
• Postal worker found dead inside machine, fiancée seeks answers
• Lawmakers demanding answers after postal worker found dead
• Close friend says he helped pull postal worker’s body from machine, slams ‘toxic’ culture
• Why coworker believes postal worker’s death could have been avoided
• Postal worker claims protocols ‘are not followed’ at facility
• Grievance filed less than 90 days before Allen Park postal worker’s death warned machine was unsafe
• Postal workers say they had to keep working while body was stuck in machine
• ‘Mail must move at all costs’: Worker alleges unsafe work conditions
• 4 Michigan lawmakers now demanding answers after Nick Acker’s death