UPS driver dies day after 24th birthday after collapsing in truck on hot California day

A UPS driver died from suspected heat stroke after collapsing in a delivery truck while he was working in Pasadena, local media outlets report.

Esteban Chavez Jr. had just celebrated his 24th birthday the day before, KABC reported. Temperatures in the area were in the upper 90s that day, according to the outlet.

“It’s a tragedy that you don’t want any of your kids to go through, as a parent as a tía, or as a family member,” Gloria Chavez, the man’s aunt, told Fox 11.

The coroner has not released an official cause of death, but the man’s family suspects he may have died of heat stroke, KTLA reported.

His father, Esteban Chavez Sr., told the outlet that his son collapsed in the front seat of the truck and was found by the owner of the house he had just delivered a package to.

“[T]hat was about 20 minutes after my son already collapsed,” Chavez Sr. told the outlet. “By time first responders showed up, obviously it was a little too late.”

UPS released a statement to media outlets saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our driver Esteban Chavez and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the company said. “We are cooperating with the investigating authorities and are respectfully deferring questions about this incident to them.”

Chavez Jr. had worked for UPS for four years and had hoped to “stay and grow with the company,” KABC reported.

The man’s family said they hope his death serves as a warning to be mindful of the heat and take precautions when working in hot weather, KTLA reported.

“Just make sure you stay hydrated,” Chavez Sr. told the outlet. “Do the best you can, try to keep cool.”

UPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News.

This story was originally published July 4, 2022 at 12:41 PM with the headline "UPS driver dies day after 24th birthday after collapsing in truck on hot California day."