Friends and family said their final farewells to Carlos Gurrola, known as “Papayita,” who died after 19 days in the hospital after drinking a drink laced with an industrial degreaser, allegedly planted by coworkers as part of a joke.

The tragedy has sparked outrage and rekindled debate about workplace harassment in Mexico.

Carlos, 47, was admitted in critical condition to IMSS Clinic 71 on August 30 after accidentally consuming the chemical on his way back from lunch. According to witnesses, the substance had been put into his serum bottle by his own coworkers, who had done it “as a joke.”

However, the toxic substance caused severe internal burns to his esophagus and stomach, in addition to seriously affecting other vital organs, such as his lungs and kidneys.

“Papayita's” family demands justice

During his wake, family, friends, and neighbors remembered him as a happy, hard-working, and noble man, and demanded justice for what they considered an act of cruelty. His mother, Maria del Pilar, tearfully asked authorities to ensure that the case does not go unpunished.

“Right now he was my son, in a moment he will be someone else. What they did to him is worthless. I want justice,” declared Mrs. Maria del Pilar.

In addition to the physical damage caused by the chemical, family members revealed that Carlos was a constant victim of workplace harassment.

“They stole his lunch, his cell phone, they punctured his bicycle. They bothered him a lot, he was bullied at work,” said his mother, while demanding that those responsible be punished.

Prosecutor's Office investigates “Papayita” case

The State Prosecutor's Office has already opened an investigation. According to reports, authorities have seized the contaminated bottle as evidence to determine if there was malice aforethought. The company's potential liability for the lack of safety and control measures in the workplace is also being reviewed.

Papayita's death has raised alarms about bullying in the workplace and the need to strengthen a culture of respect and implement stricter prevention protocols. Labor and health authorities continue to evaluate the conditions under which the incident occurred, while the Gurrola family reiterates its demand for justice.