Tragic Construction Site Accident in Ann Arbor Claims Life of Taylor Man

ANN ARBOR, MI — June 20, 2025 — A devastating accident at a construction site in Ann Arbor on Thursday afternoon has claimed the life of a 48-year-old man from Taylor, Michigan. According to local authorities, the man died when a gravel truck tipped over while unloading its cargo, crushing the cab and leaving no chance for survival.

The tragic incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on June 19, at a job site located near Miller Avenue and Red Oak Road, an area where ongoing roadwork and infrastructure upgrades had been underway for several weeks. Emergency personnel responded to the scene immediately after receiving reports of a serious accident involving heavy machinery.

Chris Page, spokesperson for the Ann Arbor Police Department, confirmed that the man, whose name has not yet been released pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities found him trapped inside the severely damaged cab of the gravel truck, which had tipped during the dumping process, pinning him fatally inside.

“This was a heartbreaking and catastrophic accident,” Page said. “The force of the impact and the damage to the cab left little chance for survival. Our hearts go out to the family and coworkers of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.”

Preliminary reports indicate that the truck was in the process of dumping a heavy load of gravel at the time of the incident. While the exact cause of the truck’s tipping is still under investigation, early observations suggest that uneven terrain or shifting load weight may have contributed to the accident. Investigators from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) have been called in to assess the scene and determine whether any safety violations or mechanical failures were involved.

The intersection where the incident occurred was temporarily closed as emergency crews and investigators worked to stabilize the scene and begin a thorough examination of the vehicle and surrounding area. Witnesses on site described a chaotic and harrowing few minutes as workers rushed to help and called 911.

“He was a good guy,” said one coworker who asked to remain anonymous. “He was experienced, careful, and always the first to help others on the crew. Everyone’s shaken up — we lost a friend and a brother.”

The deceased worker was employed by a subcontractor involved in a larger infrastructure project aimed at resurfacing roads and improving drainage systems in the area. City officials extended their condolences Friday and confirmed that all work at the site has been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

In a statement issued Friday morning, the City of Ann Arbor said:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life that occurred at a construction site on Miller Avenue. Safety is our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with state and local authorities to understand how this happened and to ensure it never happens again. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and coworkers of the deceased during this difficult time.”

The death has reverberated not only in Ann Arbor but also in Taylor, Michigan, where the man lived with his family. Friends and neighbors there are now grappling with the sudden loss, describing him as a hardworking, humble individual who was deeply devoted to his loved ones.

“This was someone who went to work to provide for his family, and he never came home,” said a family friend. “It’s a reminder of how dangerous these jobs can be, and how much we owe the people who work them.”

As of Friday afternoon, MIOSHA officials remained at the site, gathering information and conducting interviews with crew members. A full report on the incident could take several weeks.

Support services, including grief counseling, are being made available to coworkers and family members impacted by the tragedy. A memorial is being planned by his employer to honor his life and contributions to the team.

In the meantime, the Ann Arbor community mourns the sudden loss of a man who went to work Thursday morning expecting an ordinary day — only to meet a fate that reminds us of the fragility of life and the risks taken by those who build our roads, buildings, and infrastructure every day.