UAW Member James Brasher, 57, Dies in Fall at Stellantis Mopar Facility in Center Line, Michigan

UAW Local 1248 member James Brasher, 57, died Saturday at the Stellantis National Parts Depot in Center Line, Michigan, after falling approximately 25 feet from a second-floor opening at the facility. His safety harness was not tethered at the time of the fall.

Brasher had worked at Stellantis for more than 30 years. Center Line Director of Public Safety Paul Myszenski confirmed that Brasher had been discarding decommissioned equipment from a second-floor roll-up door when he fell, striking a dumpster below.

Investigation

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened a formal investigation into the fall. MIOSHA enforces workplace safety standards in Michigan under an OSHA-approved state-plan agreement. Employers must report a work-related fatality within eight hours; in a state-plan state such as Michigan, that report goes to MIOSHA rather than federal OSHA.

UAW Response

UAW President Shawn Fain and Vice President Rich Boyer, who oversees the UAW Stellantis department, issued a joint statement on Brasher's death. Brasher was a member of UAW Local 1248, which represents workers at the Center Line National Parts Depot.

Prior Deaths at Stellantis Facilities

Brasher's death follows those of two other UAW members at Stellantis plants in recent years. Antonio Gaston died at the Toledo Assembly Complex in August 2024. Ronald Adams Sr. died at the Dundee Engine Complex in April 2025.

Brasher's death is one of several fatal falls 411 Press has covered, including a roofer who fell 25 feet to his death; more workplace-death coverage is collected in the industrial accidents section. Brasher was a UAW member of more than 30 years; 411 Press has also covered the union's strike at American Axle in Michigan.

This is a developing story. More details will be published as information becomes available.