On the afternoon of June 4, Lorenzo Lopez’s (36) grandmother contacted Mesa, Arizona care home Pathways for Life (also known as ITC Personal In-Home Care), wondering why her grandson with developmental disabilities hadn’t returned home. A search of the premises began, with a sad conclusion.
At around 5:45 pm local time, the Mesa Police Department and fire service were summoned to the care home. In a van in the parking lot, they found Lopez’s body.
Local news outlet Fox 10 Phoenix reports a local source saying that Lopez had been dropped off at the facility, but that nobody had ever collected him from the vehicle. Temperatures outside that day reached 106 degrees – high enough for an excessive heat warning to be issued.
In a statement given to ABC15, a Pathways for Life spokesperson said:
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of one of our members. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. We are cooperating with authorities and the investigation that they’re conducting. The safety and well-being of our members is our top priority and we are committed to understanding exactly what occurred.”
A cause of death is yet to be determined, but homicide detectives have been summoned, and their investigation is ongoing.
In comments reported by People, Disability Rights Arizona CEO J.J. Rico was “shocked” at the incident, saying he has serious questions for Pathways for Life:
““I don’t know the full nature of this person’s disability, but they were obviously in the care of this organization. And so with that, they were trusted to care for the person and keep them safe. … Is this a routine route? Is the person trained?” For us, we always want to know, is the person trained, knowledgeable, on how to serve someone with a disability, how to care for them, how to get them in and out of a car.”
“He was loved, cherished, and vulnerable”
On the AZ Family Facebook page, a comment by one Delia Fuentes indicates she knew Lopez personally and makes personal assertions about the case:
“Many people see a 36-year-old man, but those who knew and loved him know he was much like a child. Due to his disabilities, he had the physical size of a young teenager and the mental capacity of a child. He depended on others for his care, safety, and well-being every day.
…
He was more than a headline. He was loved, cherished, and vulnerable. He deserved to be protected. Our hearts remain broken, and we will continue to seek answers and accountability for what happened.”
Another, by Jeri Cherokee Stevens, says:
“I knew this young man very well as I help care for his brother. I will miss him so much. It boggles my mind how this could have happened. Words can’t express the grief the family is feeling. I feel it too. I loved playing with him and goofing off. I pray the answers and accountability come quickly. He and his precious family deserve nothing less. The negligence and disregard for his care and safety are inexcusable.”
The police investigation is underway.
Published: Jun 8, 2026 02:45 pm