CLINTON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - The funeral for the 19-year-old killed during the explosions in Clinton Township will take place on Friday morning.
Authorities say Turner Salter was killed by flying debris during the explosions Monday night at the Goo and Select Distributors building in Clinton Township. He was watching the fire and explosions from a car wash parking lot about half a mile away when he was struck.
The obituary on the Wujek-Calcaterra and Sons funeral home's website lists Salter's date of death as Tuesday, March 5.
Salter’s funeral service will take place on March 8 at 9 a.m. at the Faith Baptist Church in Clinton Township. Pastor Tim Berlin told WWJ’s Mike Campbell it was the church Salter grew up in. The church is still in shock over the death.
“Words really cannot explain the shock,” Berlin said. “Things like this, there’s no way to anticipate it or to feel prepared for it.”
Salter worked in the audio visual department of the church. He was described as someone who was always happy to help others. People were happy to see him and his “red shock of hair.”
“The one thing I will really miss is his smile,” Berlin said. “Every time you came up to him, he just lit up like a Christmas tree, and was optimistic and pleasant and so kind. He was just a very, very kind young man.”
Berlin said he has been “running interference” between the media and the family.
The service is open to the public, and Berlin said he encourages people to attend.
“We would encourage them to come and be able to express their love and condolences to this family.”
Faith Baptist Church is located at 34950 Little Mack Avenue in Clinton Township. The service will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.