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Antonio Gaston (GoFundMe photo)
The family of Antonio Gaston, the 53-year-old father of four who died on the Toledo Jeep factory assembly line in August 2024, is suing the parent company, Stellantis, alleging unsafe conditions.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the family filed a lawsuit Monday in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas in Toledo. The suit alleges that the death was the fault of Stellantis, a supplier, and several of Gaston's coworkers, who are not named.
The Freep reports:
According to the suit, Gaston died while tightening bolts on the chassis of a Jeep Gladiator as it rolled down the production line. Because pinch-point guards — safety devices that prevent a worker from getting their body trapped in machinery — along the conveyor belt were removed, Gaston got trapped beneath the chassis and dragged along as the conveyor belt moved forward, the suit says.
Stellantis told The Freep it does not comment on pending litigation.
A GoFundMe page to support the wife and four children has raised more than $38,000 so far.
The page states:
Hello I am Tru Parham a union steward at the Toledo assembly plant. On August 21st our beloved union brother Antonio Gaston passed away in a tragic accident while performing his work duties. Antonio leaves behind his wife and 4 children. The memories we all have of “Tone” are brightened by his permanent smile and joyous nature. We work to provide for our families and our fallen brother tragically didn’t make it home to his. This fundraiser is to help alleviate some of the burdens that will fall upon his loved ones. Although money won’t bring him back, the support we show will forever impact his families lives forever. Any donations will be appreciated deeply. May his smile live forever
