Salon Employee Brutally Attacked

I recently heard about a tragic incident that impacted the Los Angeles-based Sunset Tan family. On March 15, 2010, their bed cleaner and maintenance man of nine years, Nata Ortiz, got jumped by gang members.

Nata was sitting in his parked car when three unknown attackers robbed him, stabbing him 13 times with what’s thought to be a screwdriver. The thieves escaped with $30.

A Good Samaritan called the police and ambulance. Nata was considered clinically dead, but was then brought back to life by the EMT. Due to the wounds along his neck and spine, he has some severe nerve damage and has limited feeling and movement in one of his legs and in one of his arms. Doctors say there’s a possibility he may walk again, perhaps after six months of intense physical therapy. On a happy note – he was just released from the hospital the other day.

Colleagues describe Nata as “a heck of a guy” who, as the patriarch of his family, “has been working two to three jobs for the last 15 years.” He’s also said to be “a decent person with a very strong work ethic and a kind heart. He’s one of those guys who, given the chance, will work two or three jobs – like 70 to 80 hours a week – expect nothing from anyone, and always be upbeat. He's not the kind of guy to ever ask for help.”

As he recovers, Nata has no means of earning an income. The Sunset Tan crew has banded together to support the Ortiz family, but they welcome any additional assistance, support or ideas.

That’s one thing I see over and over in the indoor tanning industry: It has some of the most charitable and goodhearted people around. No matter how bad the circumstances are, people keep joining together to positively impact others' lives.

I’ll keep an eye on Nata’s progress and let you know how he’s improving. Oh, and by the way, Sunset Tan management predicts that despite doctor’s orders ... Nata will find a way to be back at work soon.

To share your ideas, encouragement or financial support, please contact Jeff Bozz (jbozz@sunsettan.com).

–Karen