Truck Driver Faces Homicide Charge In Accidental Death Of U.S. Steel Worker

by Jana Ritter - Published: 4/20/2015

If it isn’t already bad enough to accidentally kill someone while simply trying doing your job, one truck driver is now facing homicide charges after a tragic incident occurred at a U.S. Steel plant in Detroit on Saturday. 41-year-old Heather Warren had been working at U.S. Steel for three years and was reportedly directing trucks in a loading area when an ACLCO Transportation tractor-trailer accidentally backed into her and instantly killed her.    

                                                                                

Sheryl Warren explains that ‘directing traffic’ wasn’t even part of her sister’s job, which makes her death even more tragic. “She was spotting a truck while another truck was waiting," Warren said. "He backed up, he didn’t see my sister and he ran her over. She was pinned between two semi trucks. She worked on the floor sometimes, but also had an office. This was not part of her regular job. I don’t even think she was trained for this.”

Regardless of Heather Warren’s training or whether U.S. Steel may even have some liability in her being in the loading dock; the Ecorse police are investigating the incident as a homicide. They confirmed in a public statement on Sunday afternoon that the truck driver had been arrested and would remain in custody until his arraignment. The police also confirmed that he would be charged with homicide in the death of Sheryl Warren. They did not release any other details, such as whether or not drugs or alcohol were involved.

U.S. Steel also released a statement confirming that the accident occurred at U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Works' Cold Mill Shipping facility and that the company is also conducting their own investigation of the details of the incident. “We take the safety of our employees very seriously and we will work closely with the United Steelworkers and other agencies in the investigation. The company expresses our deepest sympathies to the victim's family,” the statement said.

To make matters possibly even worse for the truck driver, Sheryl Warren’s family said that they would be pursuing legal action as well. She leaves behind a large family that includes her mother, four sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews.

Sheryl Warren said that her sister will be sadly missed and that she was someone who always took care of the family and loved to cook. “My sister was such an outgoing, loving and giving person. She loved to treat everyone, especially her nieces and nephews. She was a good-hearted person and she should still be here,” said Heather Warren.

Do you think homicide is the appropriate charge for the truck driver, given these circumstances?

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