Memorial Fund Established for Man Found in Trash Bin

The family of a Union City man who passed away after being found unconscious in a trash bin Sunday morning has established a memorial fund to help pay for his funeral services.

Those who want to help can contribute to the “Joshua Gonzalez-Perez Memorial,” care of Bank of the West, account number 028884239.

Contributions can be made at any Bank of the West Branch, according to bank staff.

Gonzalez-Perez, 21, was found in front of a relative’s home on 10th Street in Union City at about 6:30 a.m. He was found unconscious, slumped in a squatting position in a trash bin that did not belong at the address, relatives said.

He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead shortly after.

The circumstances of Gonzalez-Perez’s death has left loved ones baffled. There were no signs of trauma and autopsy results are still pending.

Since the reports of his death, many have taken to Facebook and online forums to express their condolences.

“My cousin did not deserve to die the way he did. It hurts … It’s tragic. He was an amazing person,” wrote Jalysa on Union City Patch.

“You never hurt nobody; why’d you have to go? And a trashcan though? That’s hella disrespectful,” another Patch user wrote.

The youngest of three siblings, Gonzalez-Perez’s loved ones knew him as “Pookey Bear” because of the big bear hugs he’d give his friends and family.

“He was a good kid. He was kind-hearted. He loved everyone. He was always smiling — just a happy person,” his older sister Amelia Gonzalez-Perez told Union City Patch earlier in the week.

Relatives and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Union City Police Department at 510-471-1365. Anonymous tips can also be left at 510-675- 5207 or tips@unioncity.org.

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