Huntington Woods Public Works Supervisor Killed by Falling Limb

Doug Chmiel died while clearing storm-damaged streets, leaving behind a wife and three young children.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:18pm

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A Huntington Woods public works supervisor, Doug Chmiel, was killed after a tree limb fell on him while he was clearing roads following a severe storm. Chmiel, who supervised the city's Department of Public Works, was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries. The city has expressed profound grief over the loss and is offering counseling and support services to employees.

Why it matters

Tree care and storm cleanup are high-risk jobs, with 'struck by' incidents involving falling branches accounting for many fatalities in the industry. This tragedy highlights the dangers that public works employees face while maintaining critical infrastructure during extreme weather events.

The details

According to reports, Chmiel was clearing the road so emergency vehicles could get through when the limb struck him. The city has called his death 'a profound loss for the entire Huntington Woods staff and community' and has set up an online fundraiser to support Chmiel's family.

The incident occurred on Friday, March 15, 2026.
High winds swept across Southeast Michigan on the same day, prompting wind advisories from the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac.

The players

Doug Chmiel

A Huntington Woods public works supervisor who died after being struck by a falling limb while clearing storm-damaged streets.