UPS Driver Mourned, Community Rallies Support For Family

WATERBURY, CT — The Waterbury community and beyond is mourning the death of a 28-year-old man, who was killed Tuesday while he was working as a UPS driver.

Nathan D. Burk, 28, of Waterbury, died at a hospital after being assaulted late Tuesday night on Route 8 in Watertown. A co-worker, 19-year-old Elijah David Bertrand, has been charged with murder in connection with the incident.

State police responded to the area of Route 8 North near Exit 37 in Watertown around 10:35 p.m. on Dec. 22 on what was initially reported as an accident involving a UPS shipping truck. Troopers found the driver, Burk, and determined he was the victim of an assault, according to police. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries, according to police.

New England Teamsters gathered at the Watertown UPS facility on Wednesday night to honor Burk. NBC Connecticut reports dozens attended the event and remembered Burk as a great person who made people’s days, every day, whether delivering packages to strangers or making memories with friends.

“Nathan's death is a tragedy for his family and for all of the community," said Sean O'Brien, Teamsters Joint Council 10 President, said in a statement on Facebook. "We are here tonight to show our support for all of our Teamster brothers and sisters."

Joint Council 10, a labor union that represents drivers all across New England, has set up a fund to pay for family support and funeral expenses. The campaign has raised more than $60,000 for the Burk family as of Wednesday night.

"Nathan was a hard worker and a great Teamster,” said Mike Rinaldi, Teamsters Local 677 President and UPS Business Agent. “Our hearts are breaking right now.”

Read more at NBC Connecticut here.

For photos from the gathering at the Watertown UPS facility, visit the Teamsters Joint Council 10 Facebook page here.