by ALLEN PARK, Mich. — A tragic workplace accident at the Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park resulted in the death of a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee over the weekend. Authorities say the victim became trapped in a conveyor belt system, leading to his untimely death.
The deceased has been identified as 36-year-old Nicholas John Acker of Trenton, Michigan, according to WDIV4. Acker, a nine-year veteran of the United States Air Force, recently became engaged to his fiancée, Stephanie Jaszcz, just 10 days prior to the accident.
Circumstances Surrounding the Accident
Officials reported that authorities were called to 17500 Oakwood Blvd. at approximately 12:25 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. According to WDIV4, Acker had been deceased for six to eight hours before firefighters discovered his body.
In response to the incident, Jaszcz expressed frustration and grief over the USPS statement, which confirmed the distribution center remains fully operational. She described the statement as “gross” and “inhumane,” emphasizing that the focus on continuing mail operations felt callous given the loss of her fiancé.
“We want to know what happened and how long he was there,” she told WDIV4. “We want to know how he even ended up there and why doesn’t anybody know where he was at?”
She also criticized the lack of acknowledgment of Acker’s service as a U.S. Air Force veteran, stating:
“A man gone. A veteran. A husband. A human being. And all you can think of is mail keeps moving? Inhumane. It’s gross.”
Official Statements and Investigation
A USPS spokesperson expressed condolences to the family, stating:
“The United States Postal Service is deeply saddened by the loss of our employee at the Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park, MI. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. The NDC is fully operational, at this time.”
Allen Park Police Detective Lt. Jason Dobbertin said that the death does not appear to be suspicious, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Survivors and Funeral Arrangements
Acker is survived by his parents, Gary and Pat Acker, and his brother, Gary Acker, according to his obituary. His funeral service is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 14. Friends, family, and members of the community are encouraged to attend and pay their respects.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked a conversation about workplace safety at postal facilities, with colleagues and the public expressing concern for the handling of employee accidents and the prioritization of operations over human life.
Do you have thoughts on workplace safety and USPS protocols? Share your perspective in the comments below and join the discussion on preventing similar tragedies.
