"At some point the operator in the tower experienced what I understand as a high pressure release, which forced a pipe back out of the well hole, striking him, with his injuries proven to be fatal," Johnston County Sheriff John Smith said according to KXII.com.

"Johnston County Ambulance Service responded, along with Mannsville Fire Department and of course several units from the sheriff's office to the scene and it was pretty apparent there was not any aid possible."

The victim was identified as Ernesto Rodriquez of Gainesville, Texas.

The rig has been shut down with investigations underway.