Jeep® Toledo Plant Worker Identified in Fatal Accident

The employee who tragically lost his life at the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex earlier this week has been identified as Antonio Gaston, 53. Gaston was working on the assembly line for the Jeep® Gladiator (JT) when the fatal accident occurred. According to the Toledo Police Department, Gaston was tightening undercarriage body bolts when he became trapped under a vehicle that was moving along the production line. He sustained fatal injuries as a result.

First responders from Toledo Fire and Rescue were called to the scene around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday to assist with the incident. Despite their efforts, Gaston succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy conducted by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Gaston’s death was due to crushing injuries to the torso, and the incident has been officially ruled an accident.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to Gaston becoming caught under the vehicle. The incident took place near Building 7, located in the Toledo South part of the complex, which is dedicated to the production of the Jeep Gladiator pickup. The event has prompted an outpouring of condolences from local authorities, plant officials, and various organizations.

In the wake of this tragedy, Gaston, who was affectionately known as “Tone” by his colleagues, leaves behind a wife and four children. A fundraiser has been started by one of his fellow Jeep workers to support Gaston’s family during this difficult time. Tru Parnham, a union steward at the plant, shared heartfelt words about Gaston, stating, “The memories we all have of ‘Tone’ are brightened by his permanent smile and joyous nature. We work to provide for our families, and our fallen brother tragically didn’t make it home to his.”

This heartbreaking incident adds to the history of previous fatalities at the Toledo plant:

2005: In January, a tragic shooting occurred at the North Assembly Plant when employee Myles Meyers entered the facility and opened fire. Meyers shot three coworkers, fatally wounding Supervisor Roy Thacker, before turning the gun on himself.

2007: Another fatal incident took place when Michael Tiller, an employee at the time, was found unresponsive inside a battery washer at the Toledo North Assembly Plant, then operated by DaimlerChrysler. Tiller was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he did not survive.

2021: Another tragic event occurred at the Jeep paint shop involving an apparent suicide. The incident was reported by local news station WTOL 11 due to its occurrence in a public area.

As the investigation into Gaston’s death continues, the entire Toledo Assembly community is left mourning the loss of a dedicated colleague and friend.

Source: WTOL