UPS driver Shelma Reyna Guerrero was crushed to death while loading packages inside a cargo trailer at the UPS driver facility on Atlas Road in Richmond, California. Guerrero was working alone on September 21 inside the trailer around 4:15 p.m. when an avalanche of packages fell onto her.

She was discovered later by a co-worker who immediately called emergency services. At approximately 4:16 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers responded to reports of an industrial accident in the 1600 block of Atlas Road in Richmond.

The preliminary investigation indicates that an employee of the package delivery company was loading packages into a cargo trailer when several packages fell onto her. The Guerrero was alone inside the trailer at the time. A co-worker later discovered her and immediately called for emergency responders.

Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the victim succumbed to their injuries at the scene. This incident is being investigated as an industrial accident.

On September 23, 2025, Cal/OSHA announced an investigation into the workplace fatality, with up to six months to review evidence and issue citations related to safety violations (e.g., package restraint and solo work protocols).

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our team members,” the company said. “Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time” UPS said in a statement to media sources. It also said it is fully cooperating with the authorities to get to the bottom of what happened.

Family members have launched a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. Esmeralda Ocampo, cousin of Guerrero, stated in the fundraiser that a machine malfunction caused the accident. “She was healthy, had no prior health issues,” Ocampo reportedly said to the Richmond Herald. Guerrero reportedly leaves behind five children.