Indian American Mechanic Crushed to Death While at Work at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport
- Jijo George, 35, an Envoy Air maintenance mechanic was the sole earner of his family including parents and brother’s family.
An Illinois family is mourning the death of a son, brother, husband and father who died in an accident while at work at the O’Hare International Airport. Jijo George, 35, an Envoy Air maintenance mechanic died on Dec. 13 after being crushed by a ground equipment vehicle at hangar 764. As per local news reports, George was transported to the Resurrection Medical Center, where he died. An autopsy was performed and his death determined to be accidental, according to Aviation Maintenance magazine.
George emigrated from India 17 years ago and worked hard to make things better for his family.He earned an associates degree in mechanical engineering and landed at the airport about two years ago.
His cousin, Bleson George told the Chicago Sun Times that the deceased Indian American from Kerala was the main provider for his family, which included his wife, Annie, his parents and brother’s family. The couple have a daughter, who turns 2 on Christmas Eve, and were expecting their second child next month. “He was taking care of everyone,” Blesson George said. “They lost the person who had been taking care of them. They’re all crying. … Life was about to get better for him, and that’s when this happened to him.”
A GoFundMe page initiated by Nisha Eric and Gladson Varghese to help the family. Eric told the Chicago Sun Times that they are trying to raise $100,000, as George did not have life insurance.“It’s a tragedy,” Eric told the paper. “Even if you don’t know people like him, it’s important for us to extend a helping hand to his family.
“Annie and the family need your support in this crucial time of need,” the GoFundMe page says. “These funds will be given to Annie to offset the numerous costs that are facing them in this already unexpected and painful time. The family is devastated at the loss of their beloved and cherished father, husband, son, and brother.”
Statements supporting George’s family were issued by Envoy Air spokesperson. Minnette Vélez-Conty and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “We are providing support to the family and our employees to help them through this loss,” Vélez-Conty said in a statement.“Currently, the situation is under investigation by our safety organization. We reiterate our commitment to safety and security as we conscientiously maintain policies, processes and systems to achieve the highest levels of safety in the workplace.”
Citing a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson, the Chicago Sun Times said that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating the death, and has up to six months to issue workplace safety citations.