A beloved medical assistant at Palo Alto Medical Foundation was reportedly murdered in Mexico during the July 4 weekend, according to co-workers.

Lourdes Rodriguez of Palo Alto was visiting family in Mexico City and acquaintances say she was strangled, possibly during a robbery or attempted carjacking. She had a 10-year-old daughter.

Coworkers said Rodriguez worked as a "float" at the foundation's Palo Alto Center, circulating between various departments for the past year. They said they are devastated by her death.

"She was extremely well-liked by her co-workers and the news of her death has been very difficult. We are saddened by her passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends," spokesman Ben Drew said via e-mail.

"PAMF is providing grief counselors for our employees. We are not able to provide any additional details," Drew said.

Memorial services are pending.