Austin Water loses assistant director

City employees who knew Chris Chen, the assistant director of engineering services at Austin Water, are mourning his sudden loss. Chen died on Tuesday as a result of a fall this past weekend. Austin Water released a statement Wednesday saying that Chen was surrounded by his wife Amy, his sons Justin and Bryan, and other loved ones during his last moments. Chen joined the water utility in June 2013 after a successful career with a national consulting firm. In addition to his many duties at Austin Water, he served as a volunteer with the city’s Mentor and Tutor Program and was active in the city’s Combined Charities Campaigns and the Asian American Employee Network. Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros said in a written statement, “Chris was an inspiration to work with and embraced Austin Water in every way possible. He especially excelled at mentoring staff and reaching to achieve excellence. Chris had a kind and genuine spirit. We will strive to work on in his memory and spirit.”