UPS responds after mom found dead under pile of packages while working in container
UPS has responded after a mother was reportedly found dead under a pile of packages in a cargo trailer.
Shelma Reyna, 43, was loading a cargo trailer when she was hit by a 'landslide' of parcels, reports KTVU.
The incident took place at the UPS warehouse in Richmond California, where Shelma was later discovered by a co-worker.
She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after succumbing to her injuries.
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Her ex-husband, Juan Icazbalceta, said her death is 'like a nightmare' and has left her kids heartbroken.
“They hurt. They cry every day,” he said. “They feel bad. They’re still waiting for their mom. It’s not just some lady. It’s a mother, somebody’s daughter, aunt. It’s somebody’s world. I would like to know what happened at the moment. Because it's not fair for anyone."
At present, it's not entirely clear how the incident occurred, but Richmond Police Department spokesperson Lieutenant Donald Patchin explained that it appeared to be an 'industrial accident'.
According to ABC 7, the preliminary investigation into the incident showed Shelma loading packages into a cargo trailer before several collapsed on her.
Patchin continued: "The initial reports show the employee was in the container alone. Officers were looking for video. I don't know if any was found, and they were going to interview witnesses."
A spokesperson for UPS said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our team members.
"Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. We are cooperating fully with the authorities to understand what happened and defer additional questions to them.”
Meanwhile,Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement: "A UPS Teamsters part-timer represented by Teamsters Local 315 of Martinez, Calif., tragically lost her life during an incident on Sunday while at work in the town of Richmond.
"The International Union remains in close contact with the affiliate local as a formal investigation remains ongoing.
“On behalf of 1.3 million hardworking Teamsters, our General Executive Board, and 340,000 essential Teamsters at UPS, the entire International Brotherhood of Teamsters sends our deepest condolences and love to the family of our dear sister in California.
“All Teamsters at UPS, including and especially our part-timers, are critical to the movement and success of this company. Together, we mourn for our sister’s family and loved ones, for her co-workers and local union representatives, and for all Teamsters affected by this tragedy.
"We must celebrate the life and labor of any fallen Teamster and remember the sacrifice and solidarity that binds us as one Teamsters family."
Fox News reports that police are waiting for the autopsy results to determine her cause of death, as well as when she passed away, with Cal/OSHA saying it has 'up to six months to issue citations if any violations of workplace safety regulations are identified'.
A GoFundMe set up by Shelma's niece, Esmeralda Ocampo, described her as an 'amazing person' and that she had 'such a beautiful soul', adding: "She helped everyone around her that needed help. She was always such a positive person and made our days even better."
They added that all the donations would go towards her services and to her cousin.
Over $14,000 has been raised so far for Shelma's family.
UNILAD has reached out to UPS for further comment.
Topics: US News, California
Lucy Devine