​MICHIGAN'S FALLEN WORKERS

These are a few of the men and women that went to work in Michigan and were fatally injured never going home to their families at the end of their shift. We remember, honor and recognize these men and women for their dedication and hardwork. We would like to sincerely thank the families that shared their loved one's picture and their tragic loss with USMWF.

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His photograph was sent in by his wife Michelle DeBlauwe.

~5/12/1982-6/4/2020~

James Scott DeBlauwe, 38

James was killed on the job in June 2020 while working at Sc Environmental Services Llc. in Midland, Michigan. He was ejected from a bulldozer he was operating. James chased the bulldozer and eventually caught up to it and after several attempts, he gained access to the machine to shut it down. The employee then became caught in the bulldozer track, when he was pulled under the bulldozer.

Inspection: 1477733.015 - Sc Environmental Services Llc

James married Michelle Lynn Loulas on January 17 2002.  He was the father of 5 children. (four boys Allen 22yrs., Brandon 19yrs., Tyler 17yrs., Ethan 8yrs. and one daughter Lillian 4yrs.) He was a proud
grandpa of one granddaughter (Alice 2yrs).

James had big dreams and goals in life he worked extremely hard to achieve his goals above and beyond to provide a home shelter everything and more for his family always  willing to help a friend or someone in need with his heart of gold.

On June 4th, 2020 James was thrown off a bulldozer for the 1st time.  James hit the ground the bulldozer somehow got stuck in reverse and kept going James got up ran 1st time and jumped on the bulldozer trying to get it to stop or shut off. James got thrown off for the 2nd time.

James got up and ran 2nd time after the bulldozer again now James got up for the 3rd time ran after the bulldozer again and jumped on it for the 3rd and final time the bulldozer had been stuck in reverse and moving threw the school yard of the construction site through the chain link fence, across a residential street jumped a curb into a family's yard were 3 children and there mother were playing. James somehow finally got it to stop on top of him crushing him to death inches away in front of the ones James saved.

James never gave up on anything in his life that's just who he was, he was so remarkable.
I miss him.

This photo was sent in by his daughters Danielle Dole and Nicole Boone.

~ 4/6/1955 - 2/1/2011 ~

Sherman Lynn Holmes, 55

Sherman was killed in February 2011 while working at K&K Forest Products in Evart, Michigan. He was killed when struck by a felled tree.

MIOSH investigated the incident and assessed a $1,525.00 penalty and 3 serious violations.
There were no reductions.

Inspection: 312076441 - K & K Forest Prod Llc.

"Our dad was a many of few words but when he did speak those who were around him listened because they knew it was important. As his daughters we feel his biggest pride was his grandchildren. He promised them he would teach them to hunt and fish when they were older and sadly he never had the chance. Our dad was with us when and where ever we needed him. He traveled hours for his first grandchild Leslies open-heart surgery and as she passed he was with his family. He made the trip to Ohio when his next two granddaughters Lauryn and Kynndal were born, and to Alexandria Virginia when his first Grandson Jackson was born. He also made the trip when Granddaughter Gabriela was born and was the first one to the hospital when she had her first open-heart surgery. Danielle was still pregnant with the youngest granddaughter Jillian, when dad was killed. ----If asked to describe one of our fathers greatest joys (besides family) we all agree coffee and a doughnut would be a top priority. Our lives will never be the same and we miss him everyday."

This photo was sent in by his widow Amie Knorr.

~ 11/10/1971 - 6/26/2004 ~

William Knorr, 32

William was killed in June 2004 while working at Grand Tower in St. Ignace Township, Michigan. He died from a fall from a cell tower.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $98,000.00 penalty for four serious violations and one willful violation. In an informal settlement they were reduced to $20,500.00 for two serious violations and three other violations. This case is still opened.

Inspection: 307697490 - Grant Tower Inc. Michigan.

This photo was sent in by his wife, Sharon Maggert.

~12/17/1961-10/25/2020~

Kenneth John Maggert, 58

Kenneth was fatally injured on October 2020 while working for Quality Springs Togo, Inc. in Coldwater, Michigan.  He was fatally injured when he was crushed in a shot blast machine.

MIOSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $21,000 penalty for three serious violations.  This case is closed.

Inspection: 1499406.015 - Quality Spring Togo Inc

Ken was a devoted and loving husband, father, Papa, son, brother and friend to many.  He had a kind heart and would always help you out if needed.  He enjoyed his family, (especially his grandchildren), fishing, going to old car shows and listening to music.

I miss my husband. The girls miss their dad and the grandkids miss their papa.We long for a goodbye that we never got….One more I love you……One last long hug....to hear your voice……anything! Our hearts are forever broken.

Ken I pray that you are at peace and pain free. I know that you are watching over us. We love you and miss you every minute of every day. XOXO  We are left with a huge hold in our hearts that will never be filled by the overwhelming loss and grief of his absence. - Sharon Maggert, wife.

This photo was sent in by his mother Linda Osier.

~ 05/16/1993 – 05/30/2011~

Tommy Osier, 18

Tommy was killed while working for Pine Groves Farm in Michigan. He was killed when he was engulfed in grain.

MIOSHA investigated the incident and assessed a $7,00.00 penalty and one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced $3,500.00.

Inspection: 312058506 - Pine Grove Farm.

Today is the 3rd month without my “baby” boy. Tommy was entrapped in an old corn silo that a farmer had insisted in using for three years without a bottom feed unloader. Young men were required to climb in and shovel the corn down to an external auger to feed cattle. The “boys” 16-25 yrs. olds, took turns climbing in for 5-10 min at a time switching out when the gasses were to strong. Tommy had milked that morning leaving home at 3 am, since it was Memorial Day The farmer wasn’t going to work and Tommy’s replacement was a no-show. Tommy was told “stay and keep your job – Leave and don’t come back.” We had family birthday plans with Tommy since he had just turned 18, 14 days earlier. He was trying to get out as quickly as he could. The corn had created a cave, he hit the corn with the shovel and it came down on him funneling him to the bottom outlet 15 feet below, folding his body in half at the waist, entrapping his lifeless body in the small opening. I am convinced that the Lord swiftly released him from his earthly form. It took rescuers 5 hours to recover his body from the silo.

This photo was sent in by his widow Angel

~ 6/27/2014 ~

Russel James Scharenbroch, 34

Russel was killed in June 2014 while working at Grand Rapids Plastics, Inc in Morley, Michigan. He died cleaning an injection molding machine when he got caught inside and was killed.

MIOSHA OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $220,000.00 penalty for and two serious and three willful violations. The company is contesting the violations.

Inspection: 312031032.

This photo was sent in by his widow Angel

This photo was sent in by her mother Debi Kamin.

~ 8/9/1983 - 11/12/2013 ~

​Chelsea Ann Small, 30

Chelsea was killed on the job in November 2013 while working for Advance America Cash Advance in Taylor, Michigan. She was shot after hitting a silent alarm.

This is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.
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This is my beautiful daughter Chelsea Ann Small. She was working for Advance America Cash Advance. On November 12 around noon she buzzed in an older man who announced a robbery. She hit the silent alarm and he proceeded to shoot her in the head and killing her immediately. She was working alone. He is still on the loose. My beautiful daughter had just turned 30 in august. She was a fabulous single Mother of Josalynn 8 & Logan who had just celebrated his 5th birthday four days prior. She was also a full time student with a gpa of 3.899. My daughter loved family and wanted to be able to provide better for her children so she carried a full load. I am so very proud of the beautiful woman she had become.