Veteran SanWorker Dies While on Job

A 23-year Sanitation veteran died Aug. 11 behind the wheel of a parked garbage truck in the Bronx, the department announced.

NELSON DIAZ

Nelson Diaz, 60, was on his regular route in the Mount Eden section when he slumped over the wheel of the truck. The Bronx resident was taken to Bronx-Lebanon Hospital where he died. The Sanitation Department said it was too early to know the cause of death.

'Lost An Unsung Hero'

"We have lost one of the unsung heroes of our City, who worked tirelessly to make New York a better place for the rest of us," said Mayor Bloomberg, who spoke with Mr. Diaz's wife Ada and his sons Nelson Jr., 29, and Omar, 21.

Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty also praised Mr. Diaz as "a hard-working and well-liked employee who cared for his city, for the neighborhood he served and for his loving family. His sudden loss is a blow to New York's Strongest."

Funeral arrangements were not immediately released.