VERNON TWP., Mich. (WWJ) - Authorities say a 26-year-old man has died following a tire explosion at a business in mid-Michigan.
The Isabella County Sheriff's Office said Ethan Gage of Clare, Michigan, was changing tires on a piece of farming machinery Monday afternoon, at Fair Salvage Company in Vernon Township, when a tire exploded.
According to a news release, Gage -- who was also a volunteer firefighter for the City of Clare -- suffered severe trauma to his face and head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Announcing Gage's death on Facebook, the City of Claire Police Department wrote: "Ethan was a son, father, husband and dedicated firefighter. He will be remembered and sadly missed. Please keep Ethan's family in your thoughts and prayers."
It's unclear at this time what caused the explosion, although the death is being called a workplace accident.
An investigation is ongoing.
