Steven Menefee Obituary, Death; Second victim of U.S. Steel explosion remembered for faith and kindness.
Steven Menefee Obituary, Death – The Allegheny County Medical Examiner has identified the second victim of the fatal explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Plant as 52-year-old Steven Menefee of Clairton. The tragic incident, which occurred Monday, claimed the lives of Menefee and Timothy Quinn after a powerful blast involving coke-oven gas tore through part of the facility.
Family members described Menefee as a devoted father of two, a man with deep faith and a generous spirit who would “give you the shirt off his back.” Known for his kindness and reliability, he was remembered as someone who lived by his values and cared deeply for those around him.
The explosion not only caused fatalities but also injured several others. One person was rescued from the rubble and taken to a local hospital, along with nine additional injured individuals. As of Wednesday afternoon, two people remained hospitalized, continuing to receive treatment for their injuries.
Officials from both U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers union have pledged full cooperation in ongoing investigations into the cause of the blast. Multiple inquiries are now underway, focusing on both the immediate technical circumstances and broader safety protocols at the plant.
Bernie Hall, director with the United Steelworkers, stressed the union’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency. He stated, “Health and safety is at the core of the work we do as a union, and every worker deserves to go home every day. We’re going to fight to ensure that the investigation into what happened is thorough and, just as importantly, transparent.”
U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt also addressed the incident, extending condolences and emphasizing that the safety of workers and environmental protection remain the company’s top priorities. “We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available,” Burritt said. He reiterated these sentiments during a press conference in Clairton, assuring the community that the company would share findings as soon as possible.
The devastating explosion has shaken both the local community and the broader steelworking industry, highlighting the inherent dangers of industrial operations involving hazardous materials like coke-oven gas. For those who knew Menefee, the loss is deeply personal, and his memory will be cherished as investigations seek to uncover what led to this deadly event.
Menefee’s death, alongside that of Quinn, serves as a reminder of the risks faced by industrial workers and the importance of rigorous safety measures. Both men leave behind grieving families, friends, and colleagues determined to see that the tragedy prompts improvements in workplace safety and accountability.
