Detroit-Area UAW Worker Dies In Workplace Incident: Officials

CENTER LINE, MI — A longtime United Auto Workers member died Saturday in a workplace incident at the Stellantis NV facility in Center Line, according to union officials.

Officials said 57-year-old James Brasher was tossing decommissioned equipment from a second floor into a trash bin on the ground below when he fell roughly 25 feet.

Subscribe

Center Line's Director of Public Safety told the Detroit News that Brasher hit his head on the dumpster, killing him instantly. He said Brasher was wearing a safety harness, but it was not attached to the tether, which could have prevented his fall.

Officials said Brasher, who was a UAW member and laborer for more than 30 years, was working on a renovation project at the facility when the incident occurred.

"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," union leaders said in a statement. "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."

Union officials and Michigan's Occupational Safety and Health Administration are still investigating the incident.

The incident is at least the 24th workplace fatality this year in Michigan, according to MIOSHA. There were 46 in 2025.