A Turlock man who worked at a Safeway distribution center has been identified as one of the local deaths from COVID-19.

Family identified the deceased as Pedro Zuniga. He was described as a family man, devout Catholic and an accomplished home cook.

"A little over a week ago we received the news no human on this earth wants. Pedro Zuniga, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend became infected with COVID-19," said Adilene Valencia, who established a GoFundMe account for the family. "Last night, on April 13, he lost the battle with the virus and now our family needs your help."

Zuniga worked at a Safeway distribution center in Tracy and it's there that his family said he was exposed to the coronavirus.

Safeway released a statement on Zuniga's passing:

“We were saddened to learn that an associate at our Tracy Distribution Center has passed away due to complications related to COVID-19. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with that associate’s family. This is difficult for the entire Safeway team. We are letting our associates know that if they are feeling uneasy, they can call our Employee Assistance Program to speak with licensed counselors. We’re working to assist the associate’s family during this difficult time through the Safeway Foundation’s We Care program – a charitable program designed to support our associates during unanticipated financial hardships and emergencies.”

Safeway said they are taking additional steps to protect the workers at distribution centers, including screening employees before their shifts, securing more masks, setting up hand sanitizer stations and enhanced cleaning and disinfection.

The GoFundMe account for Zuniga is available at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pedro-zuniga-funeral-expenses