Just months after burying his wife, a Navy veteran and father of four, was killed in a workplace accident, prompting an outpouring of community support for his orphaned children.
Micheal Dewaine Townsend, 39, of Oak Grove, Alabama, died on the night of Monday, June 16, following a tragic incident at U.S. Steel’s Fairfield facility. The accident happened around 10 p.m. while Micheal was riding a railcar that sideswiped another.
He was transported to Princeton Baptist Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:14 p.m. According to Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Matt Angelo, Townsend suffered blunt force injuries from the impact.
Additional information about the incident has not been released, but the investigation is ongoing. U.S. Steel, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are all involved in reviewing the case.
Townsend’s death occurred less than a year after his wife’s passing, and it has left his four young children without either parent. Micheal and his wife, Jennifer Townsend, shared four children: Victoria, 11; Emileea, 9; and 6-year-old twins, Micheal “Tre” III and Serenity.
The family had lived together in a quiet home in Oak Grove, and were known for their closeness. Jennifer died on July 31, 2024, at age 35, after battling ongoing health issues. Her obituary described her as a loving wife and mother, known for her creativity in arts and crafts and her singing talent.
She was an active member of Truth Independent Baptist Church and was remembered as a beacon of kindness by those who knew her. Family friend and journalist, Rick Karle, shared, “She fought hard, but Jennifer went to Heaven last summer.”
After Jennifer’s passing, her mother, Vicki Roberts, moved in with the family and has continued to care for the children. “Jennifer’s mother was living with Micheal and Jennifer in Oak Grove, so the kids are living with their grandma,” confirmed Micheal’s father, Mike Townsend.
Before building a family of his own, Micheal graduated from Brookwood High School in Alabama, where he played football and wrestled. He was a member of the Class of 2005 and later joined the U.S. Navy, serving five years aboard a submarine.
In a Facebook post dated June 20, Rick described him as “funny and witty and kind.” Mike, who spoke to Rick, proudly recalled the man his son was. “He was a Godly man,” he said. “He loved his country and his family—sports and billiards too.” Recalling Micheal’s character, he added, “Micheal was always so happy.”
Rick also noted that Micheal and Jennifer were inseparable, often spending time together with their children through vacations, sports, and school activities. Following Jennifer’s passing, Rick said the Townsends “did their best in their lonely Oak Grove, AL home.”
According to Micheal’s Facebook profile, he frequently shared moments with his children and expressed his strong faith publicly.
In the wake of this double tragedy, family members, friends, and strangers alike have come together to support the Townsend children. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Micheal’s Children After Tragedy” was launched shortly after his death. As of June 25, the fundraiser had collected $39,811 of its $50,000 goal.
Part of the campaign’s description reads, “[Micheal and Jennifer] left behind 4 kids and this money will go directly to any expenses they need until everything is settled.”
Mike and his wife, Susan Townsend, Micheal’s mother, were scheduled to meet with a funeral home on June 20 to make final arrangements. “It’s going to be a heartbreaking day,” Rick wrote as he detailed the family’s loss.
Though facing what Rick described as the saddest week of Mike’s life, the older Townsends remain focused on honoring their son’s legacy. “As terrible as the news is,” stated Rick, “the siblings won’t have to be uprooted from their home.”
For now, the focus remains on supporting Victoria, Emileea, Tre, and Serenity as they navigate life without their parents. The community continues to offer love, prayers, and donations to ensure these children are surrounded by the care they need.
