James Brasher Obituary: St. Clair Shores, Michigan UAW Worker Dies in Fatal Workplace Accident at Stellantis Center Line Facility

The Michigan automotive community is mourning the tragic loss of James Brasher, a longtime United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1248 member and dedicated Stellantis employee from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, who died in a devastating workplace accident on Saturday, August 1, 2026. He was 57.

Brasher lost his life while working at the Center Line National Parts Depot, a Stellantis Mopar facility in Center Line, Michigan, during a renovation project. His sudden passing has deeply affected his family, friends, fellow union members, and coworkers, many of whom remember him as a hardworking professional whose career spanned more than three decades in Michigan’s automotive industry.

Personal Details

Full Name: James Brasher

Age: 57

Residence: St. Clair Shores, Michigan, USA

Date of Death: August 1, 2026

Place of Death: Center Line National Parts Depot, Center Line, Michigan

Cause of Death: Fatal injuries sustained in a workplace fall

Occupation: Stellantis employee and laborer

Union Affiliation: UAW Local 1248

Years of Service: More than 30 years

Funeral Arrangements: Not yet publicly announced

Fatal Workplace Accident at Center Line Facility

According to the Center Line Department of Public Safety, emergency responders were dispatched to the Center Line National Parts Depot at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of a serious workplace accident.

Investigators said James Brasher was assisting with the removal of office furniture and equipment from a second-story loading area as part of an ongoing renovation inside the Stellantis Mopar facility.

During the project, Brasher fell approximately 25 feet through an open loading bay door before landing in a dumpster positioned below the loading dock.

Authorities reported that he suffered catastrophic head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Safety Investigation Underway

Officials confirmed that Brasher was wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident. However, preliminary findings indicate that the harness was not attached to the required safety tether, a factor investigators are examining as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has opened a formal investigation to determine how the incident occurred and whether all workplace safety regulations and fall-protection procedures were properly followed.

The Center Line Department of Public Safety is also conducting an independent investigation into the fatal accident.

More Than Three Decades of Service

James Brasher dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to Michigan’s automotive industry.

As a proud member of UAW Local 1248, he earned the respect of coworkers and union brothers and sisters through his reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to doing every job with professionalism.

At the time of the accident, Brasher was working on renovations inside a building that previously housed Mopar administrative offices before Stellantis relocated those operations to Auburn Hills.

Friends and colleagues say he remained deeply committed to both his profession and the union throughout his long career.

UAW Pays Tribute

Following the tragedy, UAW President Shawn Fain and Vice President Rich Boyer, who oversees the Stellantis department, issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over Brasher’s passing.

Union leaders described him as a devoted longtime member and emphasized that no employee should lose their life while simply reporting to work.

They pledged to seek a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding the accident while continuing efforts to strengthen workplace safety protections for all union members.

The UAW also extended heartfelt condolences to Brasher’s family, friends, coworkers, and fellow members of Local 1248.

Stellantis Responds

Stellantis also expressed sympathy to Brasher’s loved ones and coworkers following the fatal accident.

The company reaffirmed that employee safety remains a top priority and confirmed its full cooperation with investigators as they continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Center Line facility remains an active Stellantis operation while the company develops its new Metro Detroit Megahub parts distribution center in Van Buren Township.

Workplace Safety Remains a Concern

Brasher’s death has renewed discussions about workplace safety across Michigan’s manufacturing sector.

According to MIOSHA, his passing represents at least the 24th reported workplace fatality in Michigan during 2026.

Investigators are expected to examine employee training, fall-protection systems, equipment use, and overall job-site safety procedures before issuing their final report.

Remembering James Brasher

Family members, coworkers, and fellow union members remember James Brasher as a dependable colleague, loyal friend, and dedicated professional who spent more than three decades helping support Michigan’s automotive industry.

Those who knew him describe a man who believed in honest work, valued teamwork, and consistently supported those around him. His commitment to his fellow workers and his profession earned him lasting respect throughout the Stellantis and UAW communities.

While his life ended in tragic circumstances, those closest to him hope his legacy will also inspire continued improvements in workplace safety so that future workers are better protected.

Funeral Arrangements

At the time of publication, funeral and memorial service arrangements for James Brasher have not yet been publicly announced. His family is expected to release additional information when appropriate.

Heartfelt condolences are extended to James Brasher’s family, friends, coworkers, and fellow members of UAW Local 1248 as they mourn the loss of a respected colleague, devoted union brother, and hardworking member of Michigan’s automotive community.