Heatstroke Claims Life of 14th Farm Worker; Jorge Herrera Had Been Hospitalized Since July 9

[Omaha Steve]

Bakersfield--Jorge Herrera, 37, died Thursday afternoon at San Joaquin Community Hospital. He had been hospitalized since July 9 after collapsing due to heatstroke.

Herrera had been loading table grapes at Vignolo Vineyards. During the past two weeks he had shown slight signs of improvement but had suffered kidney failure and brain damage and remained in critical condition. He had a core body temperature of 108 degrees when he was taken to the hospital.

Originally from El Triunfo, Michoacan, Herrera leaves his wife and two young children who live in Delano.

His death marks the 14th death of a farm worker due to heat-related illness since Gov. Schwarzenegger took office.

"This summer will be remembered as the black summer for farm workers. Jorge's death marks the fifth worker to die in just under three months. How many more must die or fall gravely ill before the Governor realizes not enough is being done to protect farm workers," said Arturo S. Rodriguez, UFW President.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

More information at: www.ufw.org/heatregs