21 year old Ugandan engineer perishes in California fire

21 year old Ugandan engineer, Jairus Ayeta Maasa, has been pronounced as the seventh victim to die in the California fires which have been named, the Carr fire.(CNN news )

Ayeta, a resident of Manafwa district was working as an apprentice lineman for Pacific Gas and Electric, and had gone to do restoration work in Shasta County for the company at the time of his death.

He, together with other team mates were, on Saturday, reinstating power lines in the affected areas, but unfortunately, the car lost control and rolled.

“Safety of our employees and customers is PG&E’s top priority. Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen team member, their family, and our extended team. We are working with law enforcement to investigate the circumstances of the incident,” PG&E spokesperson said.

Ayeta (right) when he was still young with his uncle Massa Abrahams (middle) and another sibling of his. Right : Ayeta on duty in California: courtesy photo

Ayeta’s father, Maasa Stephen Hardings, who is a retired banker with UCB and currently a financial management consultant in Uganda, showed his devastation at the loss of his son.

“I loved my son so much. He was a hardworking boy and I hope since he died while on duty, the US government will ensure that they deliver his casket to me soon enough peacefully,” he cried out.

Ayeta got appointed on his current job in 2015 , and run to Facebook to share his excitement with friends. “Finally got a Job ! Moving to Maimi, [sic] Florida to start my career. Woohooo!! Any other NLC graduates heading out there too hit me up.”

However, ambitious as he was, he bought a house and pick-up truck last year.

Jairus Ayeta on duty: Courtesy photo

He also updated his profile picture a few days ago with a smile in his Pike uniform, with the caption: “Working for a power company made me realise I made the best decision of my life, everyday is something new, can’t wait to see what the future beholds.” Indeed, this last day had something new for him.

In response to the devastating wildfires in Shasta County, Tri Counties Bank has created a verified GoFundMe campaign to help those impacted by the fires.

Burial is likely to take place in Manafwa District, Bukhaweka Parish in the home of Mzee Fabiano Mulyalya Maindi, but details will be communicated.

According to recent reports,the Carr Fire was started by a car flat tire and six other people have been confirmed dead and more than 4,500 firefighters have been battling the blaze for nearly two weeks.

California fires, GoFundMe, Jairus Ayeta Maasa, Pacific Gas and Electric