EARTH CITY, Mo. — A 63-year-old UPS worker who had spent nearly his entire adult life with the company was killed after being struck by a vehicle near the UPS Customer Care Center in Missouri, leaving his family and colleagues mourning a man who was just days away from retirement.
St. Louis County police said officers responded at approximately 9 p.m. Friday to a report of a person being hit by a vehicle near the UPS Customer Center.
When officers arrived, they found a man who had been struck. He was later identified as Paul Roberts, a longtime UPS employee who had worked for the company for 44 years.
For Roberts’ family, the timing of the tragedy has made the loss especially painful. He was scheduled to retire in just 13 days.
“He loved his job. 13 days from retiring, and he won’t get to do it. It’s sad he’s not gonna get to celebrate,” Roberts’ sister, Donna Schraer, said.
Roberts Spent 44 Years Building His UPS Career
Roberts began working for UPS when he was just 18 years old. Over the decades, his career included everything from package handling to driving tractor-trailers. His sister said his extensive experience made him someone younger workers could learn from.
“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,” Schraer said.
She described Roberts as someone who took his responsibilities seriously and wanted to help younger employees succeed.
“He took his job very seriously. He tried to train the younger people and tell them that he could see them doing something.”
Family members and colleagues also remembered Roberts as a man of faith, fun and a phenomenal work ethic.
Family Mourns Man Who Recently Married
The tragedy came only six months after Roberts married his wife. The couple had been together for 37 years before getting married. His sister said Roberts had an impact on many people throughout his life.
“He definitely touched the world. He touched a lot of people,” Schraer said.
Roberts leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, friends, loved ones and colleagues, all of whom are now remembering the years they shared with him. Schraer said his legacy extends beyond his career and centers on the importance he placed on his family.
“His legacy. Hard worker, hardworking family man. Loves his family, made it important. Jobs are one thing, but family is another thing for Paul,” she said.
Driver Remains at Scene as Investigation Continues
Police said the driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities have not announced additional details about what led to the collision or whether any charges will be filed.
Meanwhile, employees have raised concerns about the conditions at the facility, including dark conditions on the night Roberts was killed and broader workplace safety issues.
UPS told that the company was aware of the tragedy and expressed sympathy for everyone affected.
“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,” UPS said in a statement.
Union Calls Worker Safety a Top Priority
Teamsters Local 688 confirmed that Roberts was a member of the labor union and said the tragedy was being felt throughout the organization.
“While we await the results of this 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,” the union said.
UPS also responded to concerns about workplace safety, saying employee safety remains a daily focus.
Jim Mayer of UPS said the company trains workers to prevent accidents and injuries and teaches them how to stay healthy and safe. He also said UPS has invested more than $2 billion and over 35 million hours in safety training during the past five years.
Community Remembers Roberts Before Retirement
For Roberts’ family, the focus remains on the man he was rather than simply the tragedy that ended his life. After 44 years at UPS, he was only days away from finally stepping away from the job he had dedicated much of his life to.
Instead, his family is preparing to remember a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and longtime coworker whose retirement plans will never become reality.
St. Louis County Police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Department at 636-529-8210.
What do you think about Paul Roberts’ 44-year career and the tragedy that happened just days before his retirement? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments.
