David Landis, an equipment operator in the facilities department, died last Thursday in Parking Structure III after a medical emergency.

Landis, about 55, was driving a street sweeper through the building at the time of his collapse.

“We don’t know what caused it, something caused him to lose consciousness. His vehicle was discovered by Maria Ruiz, the grounds and custodial services director,” said Ron Richardson, associate vice president for Facilities Services.

University Police arrived shortly after the discovery and tried to revive him. Sacramento Metro Fire also responded, to administer CPR, but was unsuccessful.

“Our thoughts are with his family, as well as his colleagues here at Sac State,” Sac State president Alexander Gonzalez said in an e-mail to the campus community.

Richardson described Landis as dependable and engaged in his work. “(David) was a good employee and well liked by his co-workers.”

Richardson was one of the people at the scene when the accident transpired.

“I feel horrible … I’m still a bit in shock myself. I was there when paramedics were trying to revive him,” Richardson said.

Landis was hired in 1996 as a grounds worker before he was promoted to a light automotive equipment operator for the grounds department in 2005.

No information on memorial arrangements are yet decided.

Chloe Daley can be reached at [email protected].