A longtime UPS worker was killed in a tragic accident at a Missouri UPS facility just 13 days before he was set to retire after more than four decades with the company.
Paul Roberts, 63, of St. Charles, was fatally struck by a vehicle on Friday, Sept. 4, at the UPS Customer Care Center in Earth City, according to the St. Louis County Police Department.
Roberts had worked for UPS for an incredible 44 years and was just days away from finally retiring.
His sister, Donna Schraer, said the timing of his death has made the loss even more devastating.
“He loved his job. Thirteen days from retiring, and he won’t get to do it,” she told KSDK. “It’s sad he’s not gonna get to celebrate.”
Schraer said the family is still struggling to process what happened.
“I hate just being shocked that this is all going on right now,” she said. “He definitely touched the world. He touched a lot of people.”
Roberts was also newly married.
His sister said he and his wife had been together for 37 years but only tied the knot six months before his death.
Police said the deadly incident happened in the 3800 block of Rider Trail North.
Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
UPS acknowledged the tragedy in a statement.
“We’re aware of a tragic situation in Earth City. Our heartfelt thoughts are with those involved and their family,” the company said.
UPS representative Jim Mayer also said the company remains focused on employee safety.
“We train our people to prevent accidents and injuries and teach them how to stay healthy and safe,” Mayer told KSDK.
He said UPS has invested more than 35 million hours and over $2 billion in safety training during the past five years.
Roberts is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, other loved ones, friends and colleagues.
His death has left those who knew him mourning a man who spent nearly his entire working life with UPS and came heartbreakingly close to beginning retirement.
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