Autoworkers call for independent investigation into worker death at Stellantis Sterling Stamping Plant
There are growing calls among autoworkers for an independent investigation into the death of Terry Garr, a 57-year-old crane operator at Stellantis Sterling Stamping outside Detroit who died in a tragic on-the-job accident April 21. Underscoring the need for an independent investigation and accounting, there have been no official accounts of the death of Garr outside of a sketchy police report. It seems the death occurred while a press machine was being lifted by a crane when it suddenly shifted, crushing the worker. The
World Socialist Web Site has learned that the United Auto Workers union has been removing Facebook posts reporting the tragedy.
As workers mourn death of Sterling Stamping worker Terry Garr, few facts made public
Workers expressed shock and sadness following the death of Terry Garr, age 57, of Shelby Township, a veteran crane operator at Stellantis Sterling Stamping plant in the north Detroit suburbs Wednesday evening. Garr died in an industrial accident when he was crushed by a heavy die toward the end of his shift.
Sterling Stamping workers rack inner door panels as they roll off the line (Stellantis Media)
Few facts have been made public regarding the circumstances of the tragedy. According to Sterling Heights Police Lt. Mario Bastianelli, a worker was using a stamping press when it seemed to shift the weight load. “The initial investigation shows the worker was lifting the press machine with a crane and apparently the weight shifted and fell on the employee, Bastianelli said. Garr died later at an area hospital.