Coachella Valley Farm Worker Latest Victim of Heatstroke;
15th Farm Worker to Die Due to Heatstroke
BAKERSFIELD–Maria de Jesus Alvarez, 63 has become the latest victim of this summer’s deadly heat.
Alvarez had been picking table grapes for Anthony Vineyards and was employed through farm labor contractor Manuel Torres during the afternoon of July 15. She began feeling ill and went home. According to witnesses, she was working in a crew of 150 workers and they had no shade nor had they received training in heat stroke prevention and precautions as mandated by state law.
After her condition deteriorated, Alvarez was taken to a hospital on July 19. The doctor determined she was severely dehydrated and had suffered heat stroke.
After being treated and admitted by two different hospitals, Alvarez died on Aug. 2.
“Once again we must bury another farm worker, who died needlessly and all because a criminal grower and labor contractor did not respect and honor the importance of the life of a farm worker,” said UFW President Arturo S. Rodriguez. “We ask Gov. Schwarzenegger when this black summer will end.”
Funeral services for Maria de Jesus Alvarez:
Rosary: 5 p.m., Aug. 10, Casillas Family Funeral Home, 85891 Grapefruit Blvd., Coachella, CA
Mass: 9 a.m., Aug. 11, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 65100 Dale Kiler Rd., Mecca, CA
UFW President Arturo Rodriguez will attend the funeral.