REDDING, Shasta County — Update Sunday, August 5:
Pacific Gas and Electric spokeswoman Melissa Subbotin says the worker killed Saturday has been identified as Jairus Ayeta. Ayeta sustained fatal injuries in a vehicle related accident on the western edge of the Carr fire in Shasta County.
Subbotin says Jairus Ayeta, who was in his 20s, worked as an apprentice lineman for PG&E.
Pictured: Jairus Ayeta. Courtesy Ivy Johanson
The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area says they are conducting a fatality investigation in conjunction with the Shasta County Coroner's Office.
Ayeta is the seventh person to die in the destructive fire.
Original Article:
A PG&E spokesperson has confirmed the death of a crew member working in the area of the Carr Fire.
He said, "Safety of our employees and customers is PG&E's top priority. Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen team member, their family, and our extended team. We are working with law enforcement to investigate the circumstances of the incident."
This is the seventh death caused by the Carr Fire. Four of those killed were civilians and now three people have died who were working on the fire. We will update this story as we learn more.
A fundraiser for his family has been set up here.
Jairus Ayeta was a 21 year old apprentice lineman for Pacific Gas and Electric originally from Kampala, Uganda. He had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was infectious to all of those around him. He had a strong work ethic and was always jumping at the opportunity to learn new things and work with his friends. He was loved by many and played a key role in the upbeat atmosphere of his apprentice class. With a sad heart he put his climbers on for the last time on Saturday August 4th, 2018 while aiding in restoring power after the tragic Carr fire. We are raising funds for his family in this difficult time. We ask that you keep his family, close friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of this beautiful soul.