Earlier this week, a veteran UPS driver passed away after falling ill while delivering packages during an intense heatwave in North Texas.
“We are saddened by the loss of our driver Christopher Begley and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the shipping company shared in a statement. “We are cooperating with the authorities as they continue to investigate the cause of death. We train our people to recognize the symptoms of heat stress, and we respond immediately to any request for help.”
The statement said on August 23, Begley, who collapsed outside a customer’s location on Wednesday, reported feeling sick while making deliveries in the Farmersville region. The temperature reached a peak of 103 degrees Fahrenheit on that day.
Upon receiving his report about his condition, the 57-year-old was attended to at the location, as stated in their official communication. They ensured he had access to water and a comfortable place to rest in a cool environment. The statement further claims that he apparently turned down medical assistance on several occasions and requested to be transported back home.
Following his request for a few days off, UPS later discovered that Begley had been admitted to the hospital on Sunday and sadly passed away on Monday. A message on a GoFundMe page described Begley as a “father of two and a loving husband,” adding that he had aspirations of retirement. The message also mentioned that he had begun his journey with UPS in 1995.
“We are cooperating with the authorities as they continue to investigate the cause of death,” UPS said. “We train our people to recognize the symptoms of heat stress, and we respond immediately to any request for help.”
