UPS Worker Fatally Struck by Vehicle Days Before Retirement After 44 Years of Service
Quick Look
- Paul Roberts, a 63-year-old UPS employee with 44 years of service, was fatally struck by a vehicle at the UPS Customer Care Center in Earth City, Missouri, just 13 days before his planned retirement.
- The incident occurred Friday around 9 p.m., and the driver remained on scene cooperating with investigators.
- Roberts is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
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Why It Matters
Paul Roberts had worked for UPS for 44 years, starting at age 18, and was 13 days away from retirement when he was fatally struck by a vehicle at the UPS Customer Care Center in Earth City, Missouri.
A longtime UPS worker was fatally struck by a vehicle at a UPS facility in Missouri last week — less than two weeks before he planned to retire from the job after 44 years.
Paul Roberts, 63, was struck and killed by a vehicle in Earth City, a suburb of St. Louis, Friday around 9 p.m., the St. Louis County Police Department said.
His sister, Donna Schraer, said he was just 13 days away from retiring when he was struck and killed by a vehicle at the UPS Customer Care Center, which is also where he worked. He had been with the company for 44 years.
“He loved his job. 13 days from retiring and now he won’t get to do it. It’s sad he’s not gonna get to celebrate,” Schraer told KSDK. “I hate just being shocked that this is all going on right now.”
Roberts had just gotten married to his wife six months ago, though the two had been together for 37 years, his sister said.
“He definitely touched the world. He touched a lot of people,” she said.
Authorities responded to Rider Trail North, near the UPS Customer Center, after receiving a report that a person was hit by a vehicle around 9 p.m. Friday. Roberts died at the scene, police said.
Police confirmed that the driver involved remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities did not share any other information about the driver.
“UPS has been his life since he was 18. Package handling to driving tractor-trailers, so he’s got everything there and he knows everything about it,” Schaer said.
“His legacy. Hard worker, hardworking family man. Loves his family, made it important. Jobs are one thing, but family is another thing for Paul,” his sister added.
In a statement, UPS told The Independent, “We’re aware of a tragic situation in Earth City. Our heartfelt thoughts are with those involved and their family. We are referring any additional questions to authorities.”
Teamsters Local 688 confirmed Roberts was a member of the union, saying in a statement, “While we await the results of the investigation, this tragedy is being felt by all of Local 688. We are committed to ensuring that our members’ safety is priority one when on the job.”
Roberts is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, according to the report.
Open Questions
- What type of vehicle struck Paul Roberts?
- Was the driver charged or cited in connection with the incident?
- Are there any workplace safety concerns being investigated at the UPS facility?
- Will UPS implement any safety changes following this incident?
