Carlos Gurrola Arguijo, affectionately known as “Papayita,” tragically lost his life in a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage and calls for justice across Mexico. On September 11, 2023, while working at a construction site in Torreon, Coahuila, Gurrola ingested a toxic substance that had been deliberately placed in his water container by coworkers. What they claimed was a “joke” turned fatal, leading to his death hours later from poisoning.
Gurrola, 41, had long endured workplace harassment. According to testimonies from family and colleagues, he was frequently mocked for his physical appearance and speech. The bullying escalated over time, with incidents dating back to early 2022, when coworkers reportedly tampered with his food and belongings. In one documented case from March 2023, Gurrola was locked inside a portable toilet as a prank, leaving him humiliated and shaken.
Despite repeated complaints to supervisors, no action was taken to protect him. His daughter, Kiara Gurrola, shared that her father often came home distressed, describing how he was excluded from lunch breaks and ridiculed during team meetings. “They treated him like he wasn’t human,” she said in a public statement.
The fatal incident occurred on September 18, 2025. was the culmination of months of unchecked abuse. A forensic report confirmed the presence of a corrosive cleaning agent in the water bottle Gurrola drank from. Authorities have since launched a criminal investigation, and several coworkers are facing charges of negligent homicide.
Carlos Gurrola Arguijo was known for his kindness, resilience, and dedication to his family. His death has ignited a broader conversation about workplace bullying and the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable workers in Mexico. His family continues to seek justice, hoping his story will lead to meaningful change.
Source: El Diario
