In a tragic incident at the Benson Polytechnic High School construction site, ironworker Samantha "Sam" Deschenes succumbed to injuries sustained during a workplace accident, as confirmed by her union. The accident, which took place in Northeast Portland, had left Deschenes badly hurt earlier this week and led to her demise on Saturday.
As reported by OregonLive, Local 29 Ironworkers expressed their mourning via Facebook, stating the loss of their colleague who was "badly injured in an accident." The nature of the mishap, understood to have involved a forklist, is under investigation by Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA). OSHA has commenced its detailed examination into the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome and expect to make their findings public once the investigation reaches its conclusion.
Deschenes' passing has prompted the establishment of a hardship fund dedicated to offering financial support to her bereaved family in this challenging time. Those inclined to contribute have been directed to the Ironworkers USA Credit Union where donations can be made to assist Deschenes' family, as detailed in statements shared with KGW News. Deschenes' family has requested their privacy to be respected while they grieve.
In a statement obtained by KOIN 6 News, Anderson Construction, the company overseeing the Benson High School project, lamented the loss of Deschenes: "It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we share the death of one of our valued team members at the Benson High School construction-[sic]." The company further honored Deschenes, a three-year member of the Local 29 Ironworkers and part of the Benson High School project for the past year. Additionally, the Ironworkers USA Credit Union has launched a funding page to gather donations for the worker's family.
The ongoing OSHA investigation promises to unravel the sequence of events that culminated in this tragic accident at the school's construction site.
