Family mourns father killed by bees
The family of the man who was killed by a swarm of bees in Thermal shares their story.
A large family devastated and filled with disbelief. The death of a father who worked hard to provide for his family so they can have a better life.
Read: Man dies in Thermal after being stung by bees
49-year-old Gerardo Balbuena raised five children in the East Valley, breaking a sweat every day to put food on the table and roof over their head.
“There was no job that was too big or too small for him. It didn’t matter if it was 120 degrees outside, he was always willing to do any job,” said Gerardo Balbuena Jr.
On Monday morning, Balbuena was killed while working in a date field. Attacked by a swarm of bees. He worked for Hadley Date Gardens. President Albert P. Keck for Hadley Date Gardens released the following statement:
“The owners and employees at Hadley Date Gardens are devastated by the tragic death and loss of our dear co-worker and friend, Gerardo Balbuena…and are still in shock trying to cope with this. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well as a devoted, talented, and hardworking employee who dedicated 27 years of service to our company. Words cannot adequately express our sorrow and grief, but first and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the Balbuena family who we will support and remain in close touch with through this tragedy.”
And Gerardo’s family is still dealing with the reality of the tragedy as well.
“I couldn’t believe it for me my dad is a strong person so I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t believe it,” said Gerardo’s daughter, Aneli Baluena.
“How can you believe something like this it is just extremely difficult seeing that your dad is gone forever. It’s just hard to process. It’s so unexpected no one expects it,” said Balbuena Jr.
Balbuena’s children are grown and have either graduated from or are currently in college.
Escaping the hard labor their father endured to raise them.
Balbuena had recently become a grandfather and was looking forward to attending a graduation, just a few months away.
“It is going to be a happy moment but it is going to to be physically present to see that moment but I know he is going to be there with us at all times,” Balbuena Jr. said.
Balbuena’s body will be taken to his native Mexico for burial.
A GoFundMe page has been set-up to help the family pay for Balbuena’s funeral, you can click here to donate.
