Mexican farm worker dies in Leamington, Ont.

An agricultural worker from Mexico died while off the job Wednesday in Leamington, Ont., leaving colleagues grieving the loss and the company trying to help the family.

The worker was employed by HighlineMushrooms located in an agricultural part of southern Ontario where migrant and seasonalworkers are often brought in to pick mushrooms.

"Everyone at Highline is devastated by the sudden and unexpected passing of our employee [on Wednesday]," Highlinedirector of human resources Susan McBride Friesen wrote in a statement to CBC News.

"We are providing counselling support to his Highline friends and co-workers. Our deepest condolences and support are extended to his family and friends. We do not have clear information surrounding the events as his passing occurred after work and away from our farm."

"Out of respect for the privacy of his family, we will not provide any personal information regarding our employee."

Sources say the man was in his late 20sand the company says hehad worked at Highline for more than two years. He wasconsidered a "temporary worker" by the Mexican consulate.

Company to match funds for family

The company will pay for the repatriation of the worker's body to Mexico, and is working with the recruitment agency that brought him to Ontario to help the family with arrangements.

Workers have life insurance and a fundraiser hasbeen started by Highline employees that will be matched by the company, McBride Friesen said.

The money raised will go to the worker's family, she added.

Officials say Highline's mushroom facilities are indoors and there are no hourly quotas for workers. While unable to release details of how the man died, it confirms his death was unrelated to his job.