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A longtime United Auto Workers (UAW) member died Saturday morning following an undisclosed workplace incident at a Stellantis property in Center Line, Michigan.
The union identified the worker as James Brasher, a laborer and member of UAW Local 1248 who had belonged to the organization for more than 30 years. According to the UAW, Brasher was working on a renovation project at Stellantis’ Mopar Division Center Line National Parts facility when the incident occurred.
Specific details surrounding the accident have not been released. Neither Stellantis nor the UAW has explained what type of work Brasher was performing, what may have caused the incident, or whether anyone else was involved.
UAW Confirms Brasher’s Death
UAW President Shawn Fain and UAW Vice President Rich Boyer announced Brasher’s death in a joint statement issued following the accident.
“This morning, at Stellantis’ Mopar Division, Center Line National Parts facility in Center Line, MI, our UAW family lost longtime member James Brasher,” Fain and Boyer said. “Brasher was a thirty-plus-year UAW member and laborer working on a renovation project at the PDC when the incident occurred.”
The union leaders acknowledged that Brasher began the day expecting it to be another normal shift.
“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,” the statement continued.
The UAW said it intends to investigate the circumstances surrounding Brasher’s death and seek additional information from Stellantis about exactly what happened.
“The UAW will investigate and demand details from the company of exactly how this tragedy occurred to ensure this kind of accident never happens again,” Fain and Boyer said.
The union also stressed that workplace safety remains one of its most important responsibilities.
“Our focus is to make certain that every UAW member, and every American worker, knows they are safe on the job,” the statement read.
Inside the Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Center Line, Michigan in 2018. (Mopar).
Stellantis Cooperating With Authorities
Stellantis also confirmed that a fatal workplace accident occurred at the Center Line location on Saturday, Aug. 1.
In a statement provided by Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson, the automaker offered its condolences to the employee’s family, friends, and coworkers.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and coworkers of an employee who was involved in a fatal workplace accident on Aug. 1 at the Centerline location, leased by Stellantis,” the statement read. “The safety of our employees is our top priority. 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.”
Inside the Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Center Line, Michigan in 2018. (Mopar).
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The exact cause of the fatal accident remains under investigation. Authorities and Stellantis are expected to review the work area, equipment, safety procedures, and the events leading up to Brasher’s death.
The UAW has indicated that it will conduct its own review and push for answers from the company. No timeline has been announced for the completion of either investigation.
Brasher’s death follows other fatal workplace incidents involving Stellantis facilities in recent years, including accidents at the Toledo Assembly Complex in August 2024 and the Dundee Engine Plant in April 2025. The circumstances surrounding each incident were separate.
MoparInsiders also extends its condolences to Brasher’s family, friends, coworkers, and fellow UAW members during this difficult time.
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Robert S. Miller