Ugandan young engineer dies in California fire

PIC: Ayeta with his contagious smile. He died trying to restore powerlines in areas affected by fire. (Courtesy picture) 

By Lydia Nabwire

GONE TOO SOON

Jairus Ayeta Maasa has been confirmed as the seventh death in the deadly Carr Fire ravaging California, according to CCN News. 

Ayeta worked as an apprentice lineman for Pacific Gas and Electric, and the company claims he was doing restoration work in Shasta County when a vehicle accident occurred.

PG&E released a statement with condolences to Ayeta's family. "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.

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


Ayeta's life

He was born in January 1997. He went to Kampala Parents School for his P1 and P2 from 2004-2005 and later left for the US with his other two siblings when his mother got an international placement. 

Ayeta's father, Maasa Stephen Hardings, is a retired banker with UCB and currently a financial management consultant in Uganada. His mother is  Jane Nyaburu, a certified accountant based in the US.

Ayeta, 21, studied Electrical Lineworker Programme at Northwest Lineman College in the US. He graduated in 2015. He hails from Manafwa district, but was living in Santa Rosa, California at the time of his death. 

A few days before he met his death, he had updated his profile picture with a smiling photo of himself 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 August, 2015, he posted on Facebook, exclaiming his excitement at getting a new job. "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."

Ayeta was a sports fan, as shown by his "likes" on Facebook. He supported the Boston Celtics, Pittsburgh Steelers and Chelsea Football Club.

On Saturday, his team was on duty to restore power lines in the affected areas, so he drove down the hill into the danger zone, unfortunately, the car rolled and lost control. 

Meanwhile, Ayeta's father was so devastated upon receiving the sad news of his son's demise.

 "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.

Being ambitious as he was, when Ayeta started work last year, he had already bought a house and pick-up truck. 

PIC: Jairus Ayeta on duty

Plans to receive his remains

A GoFundMe page has been created to help support Ayeta's family. In the description on the page, Ayeta is described as a "beautiful soul," with a "smile that could light up a room."

 "He was loved by many and played a key role in the upbeat atmosphere of his apprentice class. With a sad heart he put his climbers on for the last time on Saturday 4 August, 2018 while aiding in restoring power after the tragic Carr fire. We are raising funds for his family in this difficult time. We ask that you keep his family, close friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of this beautiful soul." Reads the description on the GoFundMe page.

The page has raised $18,976 of the $60,000 target as of Sunday evening.

The Carr Fire has destroyed more than 1,000 homes in and around Redding. The massive wildfire has grown to 154,524 acres and is 41% contained, according to ABC 7 News. CNN reported on Sunday that the Carr Fire was sparked off by a flat tyre.

The Carr Fire has already killed six other people, including a great-grandmother and two children, according to NPR. More than 4,500 firefighters have been battling the blaze for nearly two weeks, facing triple-digit temperatures and winds up to 30 mph, according to The Los Angeles Times.

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 arrangements

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