Man in Northern Mexico Dies After Coworkers Allegedly Spike Drink With Toxic Substance in 'Prank' Gone Wrong

After more than two weeks fighting for his life, a man from Torreón, in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila, was pronounced dead after being hospitalized for ingesting a toxic substance that severely burned his throat, trachea, and respiratory tract.

On Sept. 18, local media confirmed the death of Carlos Gurrola Arguijo, a custodian at a shopping center in Torreón, who was the victim of a reckless and harmful act allegedly carried out by his coworkers. According to reports, the workers placed a toxic substance in the bottle from which Gurrola was drinking water.

As reported by El Sol de la Laguna, the incident took place on Aug. 30 at a local HEB supermarket branch. Gurrola, 47, had left his electrolyte drink near him while working. After returning from his lunch break around 3:30 p.m., he took a sip and immediately began to feel ill.

Despite showing clear signs of poisoning, Gurrola did not receive immediate medical attention, nor was his family notified. His sister, Alejandra Gurrola Arguijo, told the outlet that the family was only informed around 6 p.m. that Carlos was being rushed to a local clinic. By then, he was struggling to breathe and complaining of intense internal burning.

Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors confirmed severe internal injuries to his throat and airways caused by the corrosive liquid. They noted that earlier medical intervention, including a gastric lavage, could have mitigated the damage and that the delay had significantly worsened his condition.

On Sept. 14, Alejandra told El Sol de la Laguna that her brother had long been the target of workplace abuse. According to her account, his coworkers routinely stole his lunch, took his phone, and vandalized the bicycle he used to commute.

"They used to slash his bike tires and threaten him. We don't understand why they treated him that way. All he did was work and help our parents," she said.

According to reports, the container holding the toxic liquid was immediately discarded by the manager of the cleaning company Gurrola worked for, making it difficult to identify the exact chemical involved. Although initial speculation suggested it may have been a degreaser, doctors reportedly ruled that out due to the severity of the injuries.

Following the incident and Gurrola's subsequent death, HEB issued a statement distancing itself from the case, arguing that Gurrola was not a direct employee. The cleaning company, Multiservicios Rocasa, has also refused to accept responsibility. El Sol de la Laguna noted that the company even suggested, without evidence, that Gurrola had attempted to take his own life.

"The person who took him to the clinic claimed he drank the liquid at home, but that's not true — it happened at work," Alejandra said. "We don't know if it was his supervisor or direct manager. They refuse to give us information."

After both companies denied responsibility, Gurrola's family filed a formal criminal complaint on Sept. 3 with the Laguna I Delegation of the Coahuila State Prosecutor's Office, which has since carried out 20 procedures related to the case, including interviews with friends and staff at the HEB store.

The Facebook page Justicia Para Carlos Gurrola Arguijo confirmed his death with the following message: "With deep sorrow, we regret to inform the passing of Carlos Gurrola Arguijo. We lift our prayers to God for his eternal rest and for his family, that they may find comfort in the face of this terrible and irreparable loss."