The incident occurred on Friday evening, March 13, 2026, in Huntington Woods, Oakland County, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit).Details
Victim: Doug Chmiel (Douglas Chmiel), 43, Supervisor of the Department of Public Works (DPW) in Huntington Woods.
He was a husband and father of three, described as dedicated and always ready to work in emergencies.
Events
Following a severe storm that swept through Southeast Michigan (wind gusts exceeding 70 mph), many trees fell and blocked roads.
Doug Chmiel was called out of his home in Farmington Hills to clear the road for emergency vehicles.
While working, a large tree branch was blown off by the wind and fell on his head, causing a severe head injury.
He was given emergency care by paramedics and paramedics at the scene and then rushed to Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital (Royal Oak).
He died of a brain hemorrhage at the hospital.
Reactions & Updates
The City of Huntington Woods issued an official statement expressing “deep sorrow” and confirming this was a workplace accident.
The tree that caused the accident was completely removed by the professional team True Cut Tree Care on March 17, 2026.
The family has opened a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral and living expenses: over $188,000 has been raised so far.
Funeral: Scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM (details to be announced later).
The Mayor of Huntington Woods and the community are deeply saddened, considering Doug a “silent hero” who sacrificed himself for public safety.
