LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Winegrape Commission said Thursday it's taking action to help the family of a man killed last week in an industrial accident in an Upper Lake vineyard.

Commission Executive Director Shannon Gunier said her board of directors voted unanimously to donate $1,000 to a memorial fund for the family of Silvino Eufracio-Navarro, who was killed in a tragic accident last week.

Eufracio-Navarro, 48, was found submerged in a pond at Clover Valley Vineyards on April 16, as Lake County News has reported.

Chief Deputy James Bauman of the Lake County Sheriff's Office reported that Eufracio-Navarro, who was working on a diesel-driven pump around midnight, may have been fatally injured when his clothing became caught in the pump's driveshaft and he was pulled through the system's mechanics.

As a result, he suffered multiple injuries and likely was unconscious when he fell into the pond, according to Bauman's report.

“A tragedy like this affects our local winegrape and wine industry,” Gunier said in a Thursday statement. “Although many of us make and market Lake County wines, we always need to remember the people who really grow the quality winegrapes are the vineyard workers in Lake County. It is because of them that we are able to promote Lake County winegrapes and wine with such passion and confidence.”

Gunier said the memorial account will be opened at Umpqua Bank and donations can be made at either of their branches in Lakeport or Kelseyville.

She asked that checks be made payable to “In memory of Silvino Eufracio-Navarro.” Checks also may be sent to the Lake County Winegrape Commission at P.O. Box 877, Lakeport, CA 95453.

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