Jairus Ayeta. Photo via GoFundMe
It is with an exceedingly heavy heart that we announce the passing of IBEW 1245 member Jairus “Jay” Ayeta. Brother Ayeta, a PG&E GC apprentice lineman, was working to restore power in the Carr Fire zone when he was reportedly involved in a fatal off-road vehicle accident. He was just 21 years old.
Brother Ayeta hailed from Kampala, Uganda and was working out of the Davis yard at the time of his death. He had previously worked at Pike Electric in Florida. Friends describe him as upbeat, hard-working, personable and an avid learner.
He was also steadfastly committed to the craft. Shortly after securing his first job in the industry, he wrote on Facebook, “Working for a power company made me realize I made the best decision of my life, everyday’s something new, can’t wait to see what the future beholds.”
His presence will be missed by his apprentice class and all those who had the fortune to know him.
To honor Brother Ayeta’s memory, his co-workers hung a flag at half mast at the PG&E transmission base camp at Oak Bottom, Whiskeytown
“Brother Ayeta chose a great job and had a great future,” said Business Manager Tom Dalzell. “His death is sad beyond words.”
The investigation into the accident that took Ayeta’s life is still ongoing, and Local 1245 is on the ground in Redding as the entire base camp copes with this devastating loss. More details will be posted as they become available.
For those who wish to honor Ayeta’s memory and support his family during this heartbreaking time, there are several ways to do so:
- IBEW 1245 members at PG&E can voluntarily sell their vacation time to assist Brother Ayeta’s family by logging in to the PG&E vacation sale web portal (from a work computer, click About Me>My Time>My Vacation Sale, and then select Jairus “Jay” Ayeta’s family). Questions on the vacation sale can be directed to Deborah Rose-Calilan, Operating Clerk, DCRG, 925-918-2639.
- Commemorative tee shirts can be purchased here, and all proceeds will be going to Brother Ayeta’s family.
- Additionally, friends have set up a GoFundMe to help pay for Brother Ayeta’s memorial expenses. Please donate what you can using the link below. We also welcome you to share your memories of Ayeta and sentiments for his loved ones.
This small memorial was constructed by Jay's crew in his honor.
Jairus Ayeta
To honor Brother Ayeta, his co-workers hung a flag at half mast at the PG&E transmission base camp at Oak Bottom, Whiskeytown
Jairus Ayeta formerly worked at Pike Electric in Florida
An impromptu collection from Brother Ayeta's family was set up at the base camp