Fox 2 News: Huntington Woods DPW Supervisor Dies After Tree Limb Strikes During Windstorm Cleanup
fox 2 news is tracking a deadly workplace incident in Huntington Woods, Michigan, after a Department of Public Works supervisor died during emergency cleanup efforts tied to strong winds. City Doug Chmiel was working Friday night to clear a roadway for emergency vehicles when a fallen tree limb struck him. Chmiel later died at Corewell Hospital in Royal Oak after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
What happened during Friday night storm cleanup
The City of Huntington Woods said Chmiel was part of emergency efforts aimed at reopening access for emergency responders after strong winds moved through the area. announcing the accident, the city described the loss as devastating for staff and residents, emphasizing that employees are “the foundation” of the organization.
A separate timeline released by city officials described the initial call coming in to the city’s non-emergency line from a resident who reported a tree limb down in the roadway. The city said the crew responded and began clearing the road. Roughly two hours after crews arrived, a DPW employee called 911 to report a serious injury and that Chmiel was pinned under a tree limb.
City Chmiel was transported by Royal Oak Fire to Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, where he later died. In the city’s account of the broader emergency response, the incident unfolded Friday evening, with the first call placed at around 7: 15 p. m. ET and the emergency call coming about two hours later.
Immediate reactions from the city as family seeks support
Huntington Woods officials released multiple statements naming Chmiel and recognizing his service to the community. “This is a profound loss for the entire Huntington Woods staff and community. Our employees are the foundation of our organization, and losing a colleague who was dedicated to their work and community is truly heartbreaking, ” the City of Huntington Woods said.
In another city statement, officials asked the public to respect the family’s privacy and pledged ongoing support. “Doug leaves behind his loving wife and three young children. Our hearts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the employee during this incredibly difficult time. The City of Huntington Woods will ensure his family receives our full support, and we ask that their privacy be respected, ” the City of Huntington Woods said.
Chmiel was described by family as a veteran and a devoted father and husband. A GoFundMe page created to help his family states he suffered a brain hemorrhage and later died at the hospital. The fundraising effort is collecting donations intended to help with funeral and living expenses.
Fox 2 News detail: What officials have confirmed so far
fox 2 news is emphasizing that the central facts of the incident have been confirmed through official city statements and the GoFundMe created by the family: Chmiel was struck by a fallen tree limb while working to clear a path for emergency vehicles during storm cleanup Friday night, and he later died at the hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
Officials have not released additional operational details in the statements shared so far, and no further specifics were provided about the conditions at the scene beyond the strong winds and the tree limb blocking the roadway.
Quick context
Strong winds moved through Metro Detroit, leading to reports of downed limbs and debris in roadways. Huntington Woods crews were responding to clear routes when Chmiel was injured.
What’s next for Huntington Woods
The City of Huntington Woods has said it will support Chmiel’s family and has asked the public to respect their privacy as the community mourns. In the immediate term, attention is focused on family assistance efforts and the city’s next communications about the incident. As residents look for updates and ways to help, fox 2 news will continue following official statements from the City of Huntington Woods and information shared by the family’s GoFundMe organizers.
