Construction worker dies in horrific forklift accident at Portland High School

A single mother died when she became trapped under a forklift while working on a construction project at an Oregon high school.

Samantha “Sam” Deschenes, 33, was fatally injured after she was reportedly trapped under the machine while working at Benson High School in Portland on May 30.

She was taken to the hospital but died of her injuries a day later, according to the Ironworkers Local Union 29. The union, as well as many of its members, expressed their love and support to Deschenes’ family, whom they described as their “sister.”

“It is with great sadness that we confirm the loss of one of our members due to injuries sustained in a workplace accident,” the union wrote in a social media post.

The family has asked for privacy and an investigation by the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is ongoing. The preliminary investigation found that a forklift was involved, an OSHA spokesman said.

Andersen Construction, which carried out the project at Benson High School, described her as a “valued team member.”

“It is with deep sadness and pain that we announce the passing of one of our valued team members on the Benson High School construction project. Samantha ‘Sam’ Deschenes passed away on Saturday,” the school said in a statement to The Independent, read.

“She worked on the Benson High School project for the past year and has been a member of Local 29 Ironworkers for the past three years.”

The company said work on the project had been suspended “in the interest of the health and well-being of our team members” and that it was working with safety and health authorities as part of the accident investigation.

“Our primary focus is to help Sam’s family and provide mental health support to our team members,” the statement continued.

“We respect the family’s privacy and will not release any further details at this time.”

A fundraising page has been set up to support Deschenes’ family. Andersen Construction announced that it would match the donation amount.

Community members expressed their grief online by sharing links to the fundraising page. “It breaks my heart to have to post this,” one wrote.

“We ask for prayers, positive energy, love and hope for Sister Deschenes.”

Another added: “My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of our sisters who mourn her passing. Although I did not know her personally, like many other sisters, I am saddened by this news.

“We send our condolences…I will temporarily change my profile in solidarity with Sam…an ironworker from Oregon. I encourage you all to donate to her memorial fund.”