A mother’s death at a U.S. Postal Service’s Regional Distribution Center in Georgia has sparked concern among employees and left a family desperate for answers.
Sharon Barnes, a 48-year-old employee at the USPS Palmetto facility off Palmetto Logistics Parkway, passed away on Sunday inside the center. Her family said that Barnes was in good health and that prompt medical attention could have saved her life.
It wasn’t until someone left the building and called 911 that help arrived. By then, however, it was too late.
Barnes was rushed to an area hospital, where doctors informed her family that she had already died from a brain aneurysm.
In an interview with Channel 2 Action News, employees at the center said they are frightened because they’re unable to call 911 if they need help, and can’t send text messages.
Quenious Holmes, Barnes’ son, said his mother had complained numerous times about lack of cell service inside the center.
“I think something’s going on at that post office because it isn’t my first time hearing about this,” Holmes said. “It was real devastating. We were told a lot of stories—there’s been a lot of stories.”
A USPS spokesperson provided the following statement to 11Alive after Barnes’ death:
“The Postal Service is deeply saddened by the loss of our postal family member. Our condolences and thoughts go out to our employee’s family, friends, and co-workers.”
Meanwhile, the Palmetto facility has been in the news for months due to massive mail congestion, resulting in extended delays for metro Atlanta residents.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo:Sharon Barnes/Legacy]
