Red Government Fleet with star logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Houston Mourns Fleet Mechanic’s Death

A City of Houston Fleet Management Department employee died while working on August 30.

September 2, 2021
Houston Mourns Fleet Mechanic’s Death

 

Photo: Pixabay

1 min to read


A City of Houston Fleet Management Department employee died while working on August 30. Seasoned mechanic Manuel Castillo suffered a fatal injury while performing preventive maintenance on an airboat in one of the city’s fleet facilities.

The Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department responded to the accident and completed investigations. The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.

Castillo had been a valued member of the Fleet Management Department since 2006, most recently serving as a level III mechanic, the highest skill level recognized by the city. He was highly regarded by his supervisors and coworkers alike, according to a city release.

Grief counselors have been made available to employees.

More Maintenance

tech-corner-diagnostics
Maintenanceby Mike ClearyFebruary 4, 2026

Tech Corner: Strategies for Diagnostic Success

It takes years to become a great diagnostic technician. Here's what separates the techs who guess from the techs who know.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Why One Car Wash Wasn’t Enough For This Fleet

Limited wash locations can increase travel time, fuel costs, and admin work for fleets. Here’s how one government fleet expanded access and simplified operations.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
MaintenanceDecember 19, 2025

Keeping Snow and Ice Removal Equipment at the Ready

The best time to prepare winter equipment is before you’ll need it. Here are pre-season tips to keep your equipment on the road and out of the shop.

Read More →
SponsoredDecember 11, 2025

Case Study: How the City of Sugar Land Digitized Its 550-Vehicle Fleet, Saving 100+ Labor Hours Weekly and $1.5M in Budget Gains

See how the City of Sugar Land modernized its 550-vehicle fleet, reclaimed 100+ labor hours weekly, and unlocked $1.5M in budget impact — all with FASTER Asset Solutions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredDecember 5, 2025

The Road to Smarter Electric Van Transitions: A practical roadmap for integrating electric vans into your fleet

Electric vans are becoming a strategic tool, not just a sustainability move. Get a roadmap that breaks down costs, charging planning, upfit compatibility, and what fleets should evaluate before making the switch.

Read More →
Maintenanceby Staff WriterSeptember 15, 2025

7 Design Principles of Highly Effective Garages

Learn how to create a place where employees feel prepared to do their jobs safely.

Read More →
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 10, 2025

Amerit Acquires Derotic Emergency Equipment

The acquisition will be integrated with Vector Fleet Management, expanding its reach in the government, emergency, and specialty vehicle sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MaintenanceJuly 25, 2025

The Coffee, the Cell Phone, the Cigarette: Managing Shop Distractions

Fleet managers must eliminate distractions and disruptions in order to increase workplace efficiency, while being aware that employees have their personal lives to attend to as well.

Read More →