A UPS driver was found dead after he passed out in his truck at the end of his delivery day on Saturday, June 25th.
According to reports, Esteban Chavez Jr. passed out in his truck early afternoon while delivering packages in Pasadena. And it was at least 20 minutes before anyone noticed and alerted emergency personnel.
In an interview with ABC News, Esteban’s father said that his son had just celebrated his birthday when the incident occurred.
“He just turned 24 on Friday and he ended up passing away the day after, which was the 25th,” Esteban Chavez Sr. said.
Although the coroner has not yet determined the cause of Esteban’s death, his family suspected he died from heat stroke.
“I’m thinking of heat stroke, but that’s just me,” his aunt, Gloria Chavez told ABC News.
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The coroner’s office is still working to determine the official cause of Esteban’s death. But his family hopes the tragedy can at least serve as a warning and reminder to others who work in the summer heat: Take precautions, drink plenty of water and keep cool.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help the Chavez family with funeral costs.
Not only was it the day after his birthday, but it was the second day after he had returned to work following a shoulder injury.
Esteban – who also went by “Stevie” or “Lil’ Stevie” – had been working for UPS for four years, and loved his job. He hoped to stay and grow with the company, his family says.
A dedicated Dodger fan, one of the highlights of his job was delivering a package to manager Dave Roberts’ home and snagging a selfie with him.
UPS issued a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our driver Esteban Chavez, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We are cooperating with the investigating authorities and are respectfully deferring questions about this incident to them.”
