Mesa police investigate death of a man with developmental disabilities found in van

MESA, Ariz. - Mesa police are investigating the death of a man who was found inside a van at a care facility in Mesa.

What we know:

FOX 10 learned through multiple sources that the victim was left in that van for hours on June 4, in the scorching heat. It happened outside the Pathways for Life facility, at Lindsay Road and Adobe Street.

Mesa police say the victim is a 36-year-old man with developmental disabilities. He was later identified as Lorenzo Lopez. Sources say that he was picked up by staff prior to being discovered in the van hours later around 5:45 p.m. The high temperature in Mesa topped out at 106 degrees.

Sources went on to say that an emergency meeting was held by Pathways management Friday morning, during which management reportedly indicated that the driver and the driver's aid connected with the vehicle had been suspended.

There was also allegedly a discussion where staff were told not to discuss the incident, according to sources.

What they're saying:

Pathways for Life sent a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of one of our members. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. We are cooperating with authorities and the investigation that they’re conducting. The safety and well-being of our members is our top priority and we are committed to understanding exactly what occurred."

What's next:

We reached out to Pathways with several questions, including whether staff lost track of this man, how long he was inside the van, and if any employees were suspended after this incident. We are still awaiting a response.

Mesa police say the man's cause of death is undetermined at this time.

MesaNews