2nd U.S. Steel worker killed in explosion is identified
He is 52-year-old Steven Menefee of Tarrs in Westmoreland County.
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the second man killed in Monday’s deadly explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, as the Mon Valley community continues to grieve, give and search for answers.
The blast, which tore through the nation’s largest coke manufacturing facility at about 10:47 a.m., took the lives of Timothy Quinn, 39, of South Huntingdon, and Steven Menefee, 52, of Tarrs.
Quinn was identified Monday by members of his family, but Menefee’s identity wasn’t released until Thursday, honoring a request of privacy by his family.
Ten others were injured in the explosion, and five of them remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Five more were treated at Jefferson Hospital and released, while others were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the disaster, but say the investigation, led by Allegheny County police and the county fire marshal’s office, will be thorough.
“This investigation is going to take time,” County Executive Sara Innamorato said. “The families of workers killed, those who were injured and the community deserve a thorough investigation to determine exactly what happened. U.S. Steel has pledged full cooperation and transparency, and we will hold them to that standard.”
Services announced for Timothy Quinn
Timothy “TQ” Quinn spent 17 years working at U.S. Steel, a career his family says he took great pride in.
He was known for his humor, big heart, and love of life’s simple joys — from fishing trips and Harley rides to cheering on the Penguins and Steelers.
Quinn leaves behind his three children, Jeremiah, Lilliana and Teagan, along with his “forever love,” Lucinda Dodds, siblings, extended family, and countless friends.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at L.L. Barthels Funeral Home Inc. in Smithton.
Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, followed by a funeral service with Pastor Corey Dalley officiating.
Menefee, who spent much of his career in industrial work, was known among friends and co-workers as a dependable, hard-working man with a quiet sense of humor.
A resident of the small Westmoreland County community of Tarrs, he was proud of his roots and his decades of experience in steel and manufacturing.
Neighbors describe him as the kind of person “who would give you the shirt off his back” and say his loss will be deeply felt in the close-knit town.
Menefees funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
First response to long-term support
Support for those affected began almost immediately after the blast.
On the day of the explosion, local businesses quietly delivered meals and supplies to first responders working through the smoke and wreckage, making sure they had what they needed during the hourslong rescue effort.
Now the focus has shifted to the families of the fallen and the injured.
The Mon Valley has already begun rallying to support the victims’ families and surviving workers.
Sparkles by Shell, a Monongahela business, launched a T-shirt, hoodie and yard sign campaign under the banner Clairton Strong, with all proceeds going to United Steelworkers Local 1557 for direct distribution.
In less than a day, more than 700 items were sold.
After learning about the terrible tragedy, owner Michelle DeHosse and Heather Gwaley knew they wanted to help.
“U.S. Steel was always a part of my family growing up, and I felt a connection,” said Gwaley of Donora.
Gwaley called DeHosse, who owns the Monongahela- based screen print and embroidery business.
“I’ve done quite a few fundraisers for, unfortunately, tragedies and the thing that never ceases to amaze me is this Mon Valley community,” DeHosse said. “They always, always step up to help their own.”
Orders can be placed at clairtonstrong.itemorder.com, by phone at 724-310-3990, or in-store at 600 Park Ave., Suite C, Monongahela.
That spirit of generosity was evident just steps from the plant at Hometown Burgers & Deli, where the owner said two customers quietly paid for meals for steelworkers and first responders in the hours after the explosion.
The restaurant sits right outside of the plant and considers workers there to be like family.
When donated funds are used up, the restaurant will continue to support them by offering a 10% discount for workers.
“These people are going to be here for a while with the cleanup crew and everything. There’s a lot of people involved. And we’re 20 feet away, we’re going to help,” owner Deanna Forkey said.
Small Town Tavern in Rostraver Township will donate 20% of its Aug. 22 sales, plus raffle and auction proceeds, to affected families.
Small Town Tavern is partnering with T.J. Hart, the owner’s nephew, who also coaches for the Yough Youth Football team.
Hart has a personal connection to the tragedy — two of Timothy Quinn’s nephews play for his team — and he’s helping organize the fundraiser alongside the tavern.
USW Local 1557’s official online fundraiser has raised nearly $59,000 toward its $90,000 goal. Donations can be made at gofund. me/62724efe.
In addition to fundraising, residents are turning to prayer.
St. Clare of Assisi Church will host an interfaith prayer service at 7 p.m. Monday, one week after the tragedy.
WTAE contributed to this report.
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