Gebbers Farms reports second COVID-19 fatality

BREWSTER – A second Gebbers Farms worker has become the latest victim of the novel coronavirus in Okanogan County after expiring Friday evening, July 31, while undergoing quarantine.

Earl Edwards, 63, a long-time guest worker and valued employee had returned to Gebbers Farms annually for the past decade, said Gebbers spokeswoman Amy Philpott.

Edwards reported that he was not feeling well on July 21, so the company took him to see a doctor. In accordance with state and federal health guidelines, Edwards was then placed under quarantine for 10-14 days, Philpott said.

“Mr. Edwards had been feeling well, indicating earlier in the day on July 31 that he felt good,” said Philpott. “He had not shown any symptoms of illness for several days. Both the company and the employee followed the recommended guidelines and the outcome was still tragic.”

Gebbers Farms takes its role as an industry leader seriously, and that is why it is committed to doing everything it can to help minimize the impact of this unprecedented pandemic on our community, Philpott said.

“We are profoundly saddened by this loss,” said Gebbers Farms CEO Cass Gebbers. “Although we know there is nothing we can say that will bring comfort to those who knew and loved Mr. Edwards, our hearts go out to his wife, family and friends, and to anyone who has lost a loved one to this terrible global pandemic.”