City Official Dies After Getting Hit By Fallen Tree Branch In Oakland County

HUNTINGTON WOODS, MI — A Huntington Woods city worker died after he was hit by a falling tree limb while cleaning up during a severe windstorm Friday, according to city officials.

Doug Chmiel, supervisor for the Huntington Woods Department of Public Works, was clearing a road for emergency vehicles when a tree limb fell on him, officials said.

Chmiel was taken to Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, where he died, officials said.

"This is a profound loss for the entire Huntington Woods staff and community," city officials said in a statement. "Our employees are the foundation of our organization, and losing a colleague who was dedicated to their work and community is truly heartbreaking."

Officials said Chmiel leaves behind a wife and three children. They also said the city is providing counseling and support services to its staff.

A GoFundMe page was organized by Chmiel's brother-in-law to support his family.

"Doug was a veteran who served in the Army National Guard and was a devoted husband and father who worked hard every day to care for his family," it said. "Doug was the kind of man who showed up for everyone around him."

Doug's sudden death leaves his wife, Dawn, and their children facing "facing unimaginable grief, along with the sudden loss of Doug’s support," family said on the page.

As of Monday morning, the page had raised more than $177,000 with a $200,000 goal.