Union member dies after work accident at Benson High School

Members of Ironworkers Local 29 mourn the loss of a colleague who died as a result of an industrial accident during the reconstruction of Benson High School.

Samantha “Sam” Deschenes, 33, of Battle Ground, was a fourth-year apprentice and active union member. She was injured in a forklift accident on May 30 and died two days later in the hospital. The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident.

Local 29 issued a statement saying the family has asked for privacy and respect during their grief. Deschenes leaves behind a nine-year-old son. The Local is asking for donations to support her family online at ironworkerscu.org/donate, or by sending a check in the mail or calling the credit union at (877) 769-4766.

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