Coronavirus Kills United Airlines Newark Employee, Others Test Positive - Live and Let's Fly

There is a story behind the death of every man and woman. Those stories tend to get buried as death tolls quickly mount. Sadly, COVID-19 has claimed the life of a United Airlines ramp worker in Newark. It is a death that hits home for me, as a passenger who just flew through Newark and dealt with several ramp workers. Two other United workers have also reportedly tested positive.

RLS Media, a local news outlet in New Jersey, reports that Carlos Consuegra, a United ramp work at Newark Liberty International, has succumbed to COVID-19. RLS obtained an internal communication from United Airlines shared with local staff:

"It's with deep sympathy that I share the unfortunate passing of Mr. Carlos Consuegra, one of our Ramp Service Employees here at Newark.

It is a true tragedy to lose a member of our Newark family under such circumstances.

We have been working closely with our Corporate Medical Department, the CDC and local health authorities during this entire pandemic and working together with all our employees on keeping each of you protected against the virus.

The spread of the virus is difficult to identify, and it's unknown where or how Carlos contracted the virus

We must take this untimely incident to remind each of us to follow the CDC guidelines to wash our hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching noses, mouths, and eyes, and keep social distancing to remain healthy.

Carlos Consuegra's passing is a loss for all of us. His team described him as their big brother, who would always take care of them. He was known for his dry sense of humor and always going to the gym.

He'll be remembered by his friends and family, including his wife, two children, three grandkids, eight siblings and his parents"

Apparently, Consuegra was admitted to the hospital toward the end of last week and there diagnosed with COVID-19. RLS also reports that two other United employees have tested positive. I have reached out to United for confirmation, but have verified that Consuegra was a ramp lead at EWR.

CONCLUSION

For all I know, I may have interacted with Consuegra directly after at Newark after my United Express flight from Washington less than two weeks ago. Several ramp workers met our aircraft. This is a chilling death and alarming in the sense that Consuegra may have unwittingly infected many of his colleagues who continue to report for work.

To all the dear United employees (and to everyone), stay safe. Respect the quarantine. Practice social-distancing. And RIP Consuegra.