BELL COUNTY, Texas — The United Parcel Service (UPS) confirmed to 6 News on Thursday, Aug. 15 that an employee in Central Texas has died.
Coworkers of 37-year-old Luis Grimaldo allege on social media that his death was heat-related and hope to bring awareness to the conditions they work in during the summer heat, though the company stated there was "no indication of heat stress".
UPS sent 6 News the following statement:
“We are saddened by the loss of our delivery driver Luis Grimaldo and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We are working with authorities as they conduct their investigation. At this time, there has been no indication of heat stress. Our people are our top priority. We have industry-leading training and protocols in place to help ensure all employees are safe while on the job and we respond swiftly when concerns come to our attention.”
UPS also sent 6 News a link to a list of ways the company is reportedly trying to improve heat safety for its employees, such as introducing a new health and safety program, equipping drivers with cooling sleeves and hats, installing fans and exhaust heat shields in vehicles and more.
A GoFundMe has been created to help Grimaldo's family with funeral expenses. Willie Wells, who started the fundraiser, said Grimaldo was a UPS driver for four years and gave everything to service his customers.
"The career brought him joy from the people he worked with and to the customers he would meet on the road," Wells wrote. "The best part of his job was seeing the happy faces on customers when he handed them their packages."
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