Just months after losing his wife, 39-year-old Micheal Dewaine Townsend died in a workplace accident, leaving behind four young children. The Navy veteran from Oak Grove, Alabama, was killed on June 16 at U.S. Steel’s Fairfield facility after a railcar incident. He was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after due to severe injuries.

Micheal’s death came less than a year after his wife, Jennifer, passed away from health complications. Together, they had four children: Victoria (11), Emileea (9), and 6-year-old twins, Tre and Serenity. The children now remain in the care of their maternal grandmother, Vicki Roberts, who had moved in after Jennifer’s death.

Friends and family described Micheal as a loving father, devoted husband, and man of strong faith. “He was funny and kind,” one friend shared. “He loved his family, his country, and his God.”

A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $40,000 to help support the children. As the community grieves, support continues to pour in for the Townsend family during this heartbreaking time.