A longtime United Auto Workers member died Saturday while working on a renovation project at a Stellantis parts facility in Center Line, the union said.
James Brasher, a UAW member of more than 30 years and a laborer, was working at Stellantis’ Mopar Division, Center Line National Parts Distribution Center when the fatal incident occurred, according to a joint statement posted on X from UAW President Shawn Fain and Vice President Rich Boyer.
“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,” Fain and Boyer wrote.
The UAW said it will investigate the circumstances surrounding Brasher’s death and seek details from Stellantis about what happened. The union did not provide additional information about the incident, including how Brasher died.
“Our focus is to make certain that every UAW member, and every American worker, knows they are safe on the job,” the statement read.
In an emailed statement sent by Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson, the company wrote:
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and coworkers of an employee who was involved in a fatal workplace accident on Aug. 1 at the Centerline location, leased by Stellantis,” the statement read. “The safety of our employees is our top priority. We are continuing to work with authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident. Out of respect for the family, we will not confirm the identity of the employee. The building, which previously housed Mopar’s administrative functions, is currently unoccupied as the company has relocated those operations to Auburn Hills.”
Center Line Public Safety Department was not immediately available for comment Saturday afternoon.
The union said Brasher was a member of UAW Local 1248, and extended its condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Our entire UAW family mourns with James Brasher’s family and will support them every possible way we can,” Fain and Boyer wrote.
Brasher’s death comes amid other worker fatalities in the past two years at Stellantis facilities, including deaths at the automaker’s Dundee Engine Plant in April 2025 and Toledo Assembly Complex in August 2024.
cwilliams@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Worker killed at Stellantis parts facility in Center Line, UAW says
Reporting by Candice Williams, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Candice Williams, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
