A community in Huntington Woods, Michigan, is mourning the tragic loss of Doug Chmiel, a devoted supervisor with the Department of Public Works, who died following a workplace accident during emergency clean-up operations after a severe windstorm.
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The tragic incident took place on Friday evening, March 13, while Chmiel was engaged in efforts to clear roadways for emergency vehicle access. It was reported that a tree limb fell on Chmiel, leading to fatal injuries. Subsequent to the accident, emergency services were dispatched and Chmiel was transported to Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries despite the medical assistance he received at the scene and in hospital. He was just 43 years old.
Huntington Woods Mayor Bob Paul expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to Chmiel, describing him as a man who was always cheerful and eager to share stories about his family. “Doug was one of those guys that always had a smile on his face,” Paul remarked, recalling how Chmiel often spoke of spending quality time with his children, engaging in activities such as ice skating and camping.
The city released a heartfelt statement about the incident, confirming that Chmiel was indeed on site with fellow Department of Public Works employees when tragedy struck. “While clearing the road for emergency vehicle access, he was struck by a falling limb,” the statement disclosed. The Mayor highlighted the impact this incident has had on the local community, stating, “This is a profound loss for the entire Huntington Woods staff and community. Our employees are the foundation of our organisation, and losing a colleague who was dedicated to their work and community is truly heartbreaking.”
In addition to his role at the Department of Public Works, Chmiel was a veteran who served in the Army National Guard. Michael Taylor, who has identified himself as Chmiel’s brother-in-law, set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family during this difficult time. The fundraiser aims to cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as provide ongoing support for Chmiel’s widow, Dawn, and their three young children aged 7, 9, and 12. Taylor shared that the fallen limb struck Chmiel on the head, resulting in a devastating brain haemorrhage.
“Doug was the kind of man who showed up for everyone around him,” Taylor wrote on the GoFundMe page, which underscores the warmth and commitment that Chmiel demonstrated in both his family and community life. Both Chmiel and Dawn were active members of Faith Covenant Church in Farmington Hills, where they built meaningful connections and created a network of support amongst their fellow parishioners.
The community’s response to this tragedy has been substantial, demonstrating the profound impact Chmiel had on those around him. Friends, colleagues, and local residents have rallied together to show their support for the grieving family. In addition to the GoFundMe initiative, the City of Huntington Woods has pledged to provide counselling and support services to its staff through their Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), recognising the trauma that the accident has caused within the local workforce.
As the community navigates through this challenging period, tributes to Chmiel continue to pour in, with many reflecting on his kindness, dedication, and the light he brought into the lives of those around him. His memory will undoubtedly live on through the stories shared by his loved ones and the lives he touched during his time on earth.
In a poignant closing reflection, Taylor mentioned the importance of maintaining Chmiel’s legacy within his family: “I know his kids loved him, and they still do. They still want to see him, and they’re still asking for him sometimes.”