HUNTINGTON WOODS, Mich. (WWJ) — An overwhelming wave of community support is helping lift the family of a Huntington Woods Department of Public Works employee who was killed while responding to severe weather damage on Friday night.
Doug Chmiel, a husband, father of three, and an Army National Guard veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, died after being hit by a falling tree limb.
The fatal accident occurred during a severe windstorm that brought 60 to 70 mph gusts across southeastern Michigan. According to Huntington Woods Public Safety, crews were dispatched to clear a blocked roadway shortly after 7 p.m. At 9:09 p.m., a 911 call reported that Chmiel had been pinned under a large tree limb. First responders performed life-saving measures at the scene before rushing him to Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, where he later died from a massive brain hemorrhage.
“This is a profound loss for the entire Huntington Woods staff and community,” the city said in a statement. “Doug was a dedicated public servant who took great pride in serving the community.”
Following the sudden loss, family members launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Chmiel's wife, Dawn, and their three children: Penelope, 12; Elinor, 9; and Griffin, 7. The couple was also active in the Faith Covenant Church in Farmington Hills.
In less than two days, the fundraiser garnered over $182,000 from more than 1,700 donors.
“We are completely overwhelmed,” organizers wrote in a Monday update on the fundraising page. “The love and generosity people have shown for this family has been extraordinary.”
Because of the rapid influx of donations, the family has increased the fundraising goal to $250,000. The funds will go toward funeral expenses, immediate household bills, and providing long-term stability for the children as they navigate the devastating loss.
The City of Huntington Woods has set up counseling and support services through its Employee Assistance Program for grieving city staff.