Two deaths in one week

Posted: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 10:23 am
Mauricio Cuellar

A second undocumented immigrant has died in Duval County in less than a week.

Griselda C. Romero, of El Salvador, was traveling in a pickup truck with nearly 30 other undocumented immigrants when she grew ill, Duval County Sheriff's Investigator Alan Hernandez said.

On Aug. 3, shortly after 2:15 p.m., officers received a call for assistance at a location along County Road 211 in the Rios area.

Romero, who had been traveling in the group with her husband, was dropped off at the location by members of the group. They were given a cell phone to use to call for help, but by the time EMS arrived, Romero had passed away.

Hernandez said the death was more than likely from a combination of dehydration and sun stroke. Romero was 34.

Hernandez said deaths like these do not just occur in the summer months, but year around, as the immigrants themselves choose to travel at all times of the year.

“There's a higher probability in the summer months with severe heat, and dry conditions. They use the cattle troughs for water sources, and intestinal aliments, like Guardia, contribute to dehydration,” Hernandez said. “It's a tragedy, but it is very common in these parts. They are risking their lives for the dream of freedom.”

Two deaths in one week - Alice Echo-News Journal: News: el salvador, irregular immigration, romero, hernandez, shawn hernandez

The first illegal.

Heat claims life of undocumented immigrant

Posted: Friday, August 3, 2012 4:39 pm
By Mauricio J. Cuellar Jr.

An undocumented immigrant died Aug. 31 from dehydration while walking through a ranch off of Highway 16.

Workers from Dos Hermanos Ranch discovered four men walking within the ranch property, some four miles off of Highway 16. One of the men, later identified Jose Eric Vega Perez, 25, of Quertero, Mexico, was suffering from extreme dehydration.

Two of the workers rushed Perez to the ranch house, in an attempt to save the man with water and first aid, but it was too late, Duval County investigators said.
Lt. David Canales with the Duval County Sheriff's Office, said workers rushed to Freer to notify authorities of the incident. Justice of the Peace Sylvia Lazo pronounced Perez dead a short time later.

“The tried to pour water on him and give him water, but he was too far gone,” Canales said. “It was 106 degrees when deputies arrived at the scene. There's no telling what the heat index was at that time.”

Perez's body was picked up Nestor Garza's funeral home, and the Mexican Consulate was contact concerning Perez's death. His family has been notified, and they are making arrangements to have Perez's body transported back to Mexico for his funeral.

“Unfortunately, with these hot temperatures, no wind in that thick brush, and the humidity so high, a person can easily be overcome by heat exhaustion,” Canales said.
Heat claims life of undocumented immigrant - Alice Echo-News Journal: News: mexico, irregular immigration, sheriff, united states, list of diplomatic missions of mexico

Two comments at the article.

Why do you say undocumented immigrant. He is a trespasser an illegal person in our country. I do not wish death in any way, he died because he snuck across our border and was staying away from law enforcement.... we need reform and we need solid security to stop these people from crossing our borders without proper papers!!!!!!
No need for this kind of tragedy, if only their government would take care of their own people, they would not have to go some where else to make a living.
Shame on Mexico !
They should talk to own governments about giving them "freedom". But their governments don't give welfare and free handouts. The free ride on the backs of US citizens provided by a corrupt government is the REAL reason they come. JMO