UPS has issued a statement following the tragic death of a mother found beneath a stack of packages in a cargo trailer.
Shelma Reyna, 43, was reportedly loading packages when a pile of parcels collapsed on her, according to KTVU.
The accident occurred at the UPS facility in Richmond, California, where Shelma was later discovered by a fellow employee.
Despite efforts, she was declared dead at the scene due to her injuries.
Her former husband, Juan Icazbalceta, described her death as ‘like a nightmare’, leaving her children devastated.
“They hurt. They cry every day,” he explained. “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.”
The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, but Lieutenant Donald Patchin from the Richmond Police Department noted it seemed to be an ‘industrial accident’.
ABC 7 reported that the preliminary investigation indicated Shelma was loading a cargo trailer when several parcels fell on her.
Patchin added: “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 UPS spokesperson stated: “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.”
Additionally, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien remarked: “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 reported that authorities are awaiting autopsy results to clarify her cause of death and the exact time she passed. Cal/OSHA mentioned they have ‘up to six months to issue citations if any violations of workplace safety regulations are identified’.
A GoFundMe organized by Shelma’s niece, Esmeralda Ocampo, described her as an ‘amazing person’ with ‘such a beautiful soul’, noting: “She helped everyone around her that needed help. She was always such a positive person and made our days even better.”
Esmeralda mentioned that the donations collected will support Shelma’s services and aid her cousin.
Currently, over $14,000 has been raised to support Shelma’s family.