A tragic industrial accident claimed the life of 39-year-old Michael Dewaine Townsend on Monday at the U.S. Steel plant in Fairfield, according to AL.com.
Townsend’s death marks a second devastating loss for his children, who also lost their mother to illness last year.
Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Matt Angelo confirmed that Townsend, a father of four, died after the railcar he was riding struck another railcar, causing fatal blunt force injuries. He was transported to Princeton Baptist Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:14 p.m.
RELATED: Montgomery jury awards $2.6 million in wrongful death case of concrete plant worker
The incident is currently under investigation by U.S. Steel, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Angelo said.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Townsend children. The original goal was $12,000, but as of today, donations have surpassed $30,000.
To contribute, visit the campaign page here: Help Michael’s Children After Tragedy
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
