19 May Farmworkers killed on a multi-vehicle crash

Press Statement                

Contact: Patti Verduzco, Communications Director, pattiverduzco@pcun.org 

May 19th, 2023

Farmworkers killed in a multi-vehicle crash

7 Farmworkers die on their way home from work 

WOODBURN, Ore.— Harvest season is in full effect in Oregon, with thousands of farmworkers commuting home in work vans after laboring in increasingly warm weather. On the evening of Thursday, May 18th, 2023, workers were heading home to their families when a semi-truck traveling northbound on I-5 ran off the road hitting a passenger van carrying 11 farmworkers, killing 7 of them (Eduardo Lopez, 31, of Gervais; Alejandro Jimenez Hernandez, 36, of Gervais; Josue Garcia Garcia, 30, of Salem; Luis Enrique Gomez Reyes, 30, of Woodburn; Javier Suarez, 58, of Woodburn; Alejandra Espinoza Carpio, 39; and Juan Carlos Leyva Carrillo, 37, of Woodburn). The driver of a semi-truck that slammed into a passenger van was arrested Friday on suspicion of manslaughter, DUI, and other charges.

“PCUN and our members offer our sincerest condolences to the families would like to s and the workers impacted by this tragedy. Reyna Lopez, PCUN’s Executive Director, said, “We are in communication with some of the families who understand impacted to bet what is needed to support. At this time, families are demanding safer roads for workers commuting after a hard day’s work. “

PCUN has launched an emergency fund to raise funds for the 11 workers impacted by the accident. “100 percent of the proceeds will go to the surviving workers and families of those impacted. We hope this helps take some stress off these families at this difficult time.”

A tax-deductible donation can be made through the PCUN Foundation using this secure link: Here

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