Esteban Chavez Jr., a UPS carrier, died of suspected heat stroke on Saturday, June 25, 2022. He was discovered unresponsive while delivering a package in Southern California and was subsequently pronounced dead. Chavez, who had just turned 24 the day before the horrific incident, is said to have slumped in his car in Pasadena. According to officials, he was discovered unconscious in his truck by the owner of the property where he had delivered mail 20 minutes later.
Esteban Chavez’s family blames heat stroke for his death
As temperatures continue to rise in Southern California, Chavez’s family blames his death on heat stroke and dehydration. The teenage UPS employee was found unconscious at the intersection of Sequoia and Glenover drives, according to his father, Esteban Chavez Sr. He had recently returned to work on June 24, following a shoulder injury.
My heart is heavy for Esteban Chavez Jr and his family after his passing while at work @UPS† The heat is no joke and dehydration. RIP fellow brother.
— CL Duncan (@CLDuncan2) July 2, 2022
Esteban Chavez Sr., distraught and grieving, said by the time help arrived for his son, it was too late. He said to KTLA:
“He passed out in his car seat. By the time someone recognized what had happened, which was the owner of the house he had delivered the box to, it was about 20 minutes after my child passed out. It was definitely too late by the time the first responders arrived.”
Chavez, who had just celebrated his birthday on Friday, greatly appreciated his work. His father noted that he had worked for UPS for four years. Although the official cause of death is unknown, his father blames the extreme heat for his son’s sudden death.
With temperatures in Pasadena expected to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the coming days, the National Weather Service has issued heat warnings that will be in effect from Sunday morning through 8:00 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service has warned that extreme heat will cause an alarming spike in heat-related illness.
In an interview with KTLA, Esteban Chavez Sr. are dead from the demanding working conditions:
“Everyone knows how hot it is there, and those vehicles are a hot box. They have all these people delivering things and trying to meet their quota and complete their tasks.”
Esteban Chavez Jr. of Downey was delivering packages in the Pasadena area last Saturday when it collapsed. The family believe he died of heat stroke.
This heat of climate change is not regular. STAY HYDRATED. Take cover in case of overheating.https://t.co/spLYVGZ3uY
— E. Willa Simpson (@EWillaSimpson) July 2, 2022
UPS has issued a statement expressing their sadness at his passing and their condolences to his family and friends. Despite his grief, the grieving father expressed his desire to believe that God had a “calling” for his son. The Chavez family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral and memorial costs. Officials have emphasized the need to stay hydrated and cool as much as possible to withstand extreme temperatures.