A longtime auto worker died Saturday morning while he was working on a renovation project at a Stellantis parts facility in Center Line, according to the United Auto Workers.
James Brasher was working at Stellantis’ Mopar Division, Center Line National Parts Distribution Center on Lawrence Avenue north of 10 Mile Road when the incident occurred, according to a joint statement posted on X from UAW President Shawn Fain and Vice President Rich Boyer.
Brasher was a 32-year UAW member and laborer, according to his social media website.
“A member of our union went to work today expecting to complete his shift and return home to his loved ones, but sadly, that will not happen,” Fain and Boyer said in their statement.
Details of the incident were not disclosed.
Stellantis’ Mopar Division, Center Line National Parts Distribution Center on Lawrence Avenue, north of 10 Mile Road. (GOOGLE MAPS)
The Center Line Public Safety Department confirmed they responded to an incident on Saturday, but would not provide any other information.
The union said it will investigate the circumstances surrounding Brasher’s death and seek further details from Stellantis about what happened. The UAW statement did not provide any additional information about the incident, including how Brasher died.
Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson said in a statement that the company’s “heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and coworkers” of the employee.
“The safety of our employees is our top priority,” the statement read. “We are continuing to work with authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident. Out of respect for the family, we will not confirm the identity of the employee. The building, which previously housed Mopar’s administrative functions, is currently unoccupied as the company has relocated those operations to Auburn Hills.”
According to the union, Brasher was a member of UAW Local 1248. Union leaders extended their condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Our entire UAW family mourns with James Brasher’s family and will support them every possible way we can,” Fain and Boyer wrote. “Our focus is to make certain that every UAW member, and every American worker, knows they are safe on the job”
Brasher’s death comes four days after the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) issued a warning to employers and workers to take extra caution on the job following 21 workplace fatalities so in 2026.
The warning was prompted by three recent trench collapses in Michigan within a two-day period, including one that resulted in a worker’s death on July 1.
“Every workplace death is a tragedy, and recent incidents are a reminder that conditions can change quickly,” MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said in a statement. “Employers must make hazard recognition part of every job, provide workers with the training and protections they need and create a culture where employees are empowered to speak up and stop work when something is unsafe.”