When local postal worker Eugene Gates Jr. collapsed on his route during a punishing heatwave in June, it seemed highly likely that the grueling weather had played a role in his death.
An autopsy revealed that both the heat and heart disease were to blame for the death of Gates, whose body temperature had soared to 104.6 degrees by the time he arrived at the hospital. The terrible incident spurred investigations into the U.S. Postal Service, including a congressional probe.
In July, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett led a group of House Democrats in writing to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. The lawmakers pressed for answers on USPS working conditions following the death of Gates, who was one of Crockett’s constituents.
Late last week, the Texas progressive sent DeJoy a follow-up letter outlining her concerns.