NORFOLK, Va. — About a week after a deadly industrial accident was reported at a Norfolk ship repair business, News 3 is speaking to the family of one of the two shipyard workers who lost their life.
John Robinson, 55, from Norfolk, died at Marine Hydraulics' Midtown Pier facility Wednesday, his family told News 3's John Hood Tuesday morning.
Watch: Shipyard in Norfolk where two men died had previous OSHA violations
His sister, Jasmine Robinson, shared what they've learned about his tragic death, saying, "All I know is there was an elevator accident and all it says on the examiner's report is blunt force trauma to the torso."
News 3 confirmed with the Norfolk Medical Examiner the manner of death was an accident and the cause was blunt force trauma to the torso.
Robinson was a fleet technician and worked on elevators and worked for PaR Marine Systems, his family shared.
The family says after working on ships for over 10 years all over the world, they never imagined Robinson would lose his life on the job.
"I am his baby sister, I am forever scarred," Robinson said.
Watch: News 3 reports from Marine Hydraulics after deadly industrial accident
Police say another man, also a shipyard worker, was injured. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive.
Authorities did not share details on the nature of the accident. However, when speaking with our crew shortly after the incident, workers coming in and out of the facility described it as a "freak accident" that doesn't normally happen.
"My heart goes out to y'all, this is tragic and we have to advocate for these gentlemen's safety," Robinson said. "I always say whether it's any accident, don't nobody care until it's their loved one. But we all gotta care for these men."
Marine Hydraulics International released the following statement to News 3 last week regarding the incident:
"We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of two shipyard workers after an incident at MHI Ship Repair’s midtown facility this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, as well as with the many impacted workers at our facility. We are committed to supporting them through this difficult time. Safety is our top priority at MHI, and we will work within our own team and with local authorities to investigate the cause of this incident."
News 3 reached out to the contractor Robinson was working with but have yet to hear back.
Robinson's family heard the ship that he was working on was being decommissioned.
OSHA said its investigation is still underway.
Robinson said after her brother's death, she will continue to advocate for workplace safety to prevent this from happening again.
"If you got a family member that works here that means they are coming here to risk their life to feed you every day," Robinson said. "A great person was lost and it will not go unrecognized."
A vigil will be held near the MHI yard on Wednesday following Robinson's wake at Graves funeral home on Church Street from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
