At the beginning of 2020 our nation was struck by the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic. As our nation began to shut down our essential, front-line and healthcare workers stood strong and continued to fight this battle.  Many became affected by the COVID-19 virus and sadly succumbed to the illness. We want to recognize them all for their hard-work and dedication.

If you have lost a loved one due to COVID-19 (or know someone) and it is believed that he/she contracted the virus while at work we would be honored to recognize and remember your loved one in our Face Campaign.

This photo was sent in by her fiance' Torrence Jones, Sr.

~ 4/13/2020 ~

MiChelle Abernathy, 52

MiChelle became ill on the job in April 2020 and succumbed to the illness while working for Elisabeth Ludeman Developmental Center in Park Forest, Illinois. She is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus while at work and sadly lost her battle to the virus.

Torrence Jones, Sr. - We were scheduled to be married. I, Torrence C Jones Sr. met MiChelle last September working for the State of Illinois. I was one of her instructors she bought joy and happiness to everyone she was around.  She leaves behind her loving mother who has become my best friend Barbara and her sister Carrie who is the backbone of the family.

This photo was sent in by her mother Zenobia D. Toomer Jordan Shepherd.

~ 10/22/1992 ~ 4/1/2020 ~

Leilani Margurite Jordan "Butterfly", 27

Leilani Jordan became ill on the job in March 2020 while working for Giant Grocery Store in Largo, MD. She is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus while at work and sadly lost her battle to the virus. 

Click here to view her tribute page.

This photo was sent in by his wife, Maria Vazquez.

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~ 9/29/1986 - 3/31/2020 ~

Israel Tolentino Jr. "Izzy/Nudge", 33

Israel became ill on the job in March 2020 while working for Passaic Fire Department (FMBA Local 13) in Passaic, NJ. He is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus while at work and sadly lost his battle to the virus. 

This is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

Dad to two beautiful children who were his pride and joy. Ailani and Israel

This photo was sent in by his Wife, Naomi Weinke.

~12/13/1952 ~ 04/25/2020~

Gary Layne Weinke, 67

Gary was killed in April 2020 while working at the Indiana Department of Corrections, Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle, Indiana. He is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus while at work and sadly lost his battle to the virus.

Indiana OSHA investigated the incident and no citations were implemented. This case is closed.

Inspection: 1473702.015 - 110963 - Wabash Valley Correctional Facility

Gary worked in the SCU (Secured Confinement Unit) Level 5, Maximum Security. He was a thirteen year veteran worker for the State of Indiana, five of those were as a store clerk delivering commissary to offenders, before switching over to custody. 
Gary was a loving husband, Father, papaw, and brother. His first Great-grandson was born in November 2019....he was so proud being a great-grand papaw. He also left behind Six children and 17 grand children, two brothers, two sisters and several nieces and nephews, cousins and his Aunt Betty.
He enjoyed family dinners, annual bonfire, camping, and his big red truck, RAM 2500 going on day trips to areas all around the state.
He is loved and missed everyday!!

This photo was sent in by his sister Allison Williams.

~ 7/7/1993 ~8/16/2020 ~

James "Jimmy" White, 27

Jimmy White became ill on the job in August 2020 while working for Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lake City, FL.  He is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus while at work and sadly lost his battle to the virus.

 Allison Williams- "Jimmy was proud to be an RN (Registered Nurse) and cared deeply for his patients. He was lost in the line of duty working as a nurse and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In his spare time, Jimmy was a video-gamer and movie buff and enjoyed rooting for his favorite sports teams: Chicago Bears “Da Bears”, Chicago Cubs, and Blackhawks. Jimmy was quick-witted, hilarious, and spoke his mind. Those who knew him best will remember all the times he made us laugh and his signature grin. He was extremely loyal to his closest friends and family and would do anything for them. Jimmy had the biggest heart, cared deeply for his fellow human, and was an incredibly grateful person. He was a best friend to his big sister, Allison, and deeply admired his father, David. He had a special bond with his step-mother Mary and was best buds with his brother-in-law Chris and his long-time best friend Kyle Katona. He adored his “sassy southern sister” and close family friend Madeline Mabile and extended family. He will be missed by countless friends and family. There will forever be an empty space at the table and in our hearts. Rest easy, Jimmy. You will never be forgotten."