Community Corner

Western Market Collecting Cards for Worker Hurt in Compactor Accident

Community continues to rally around the victim and the store "family."

A drop-off point has been set up at Western Market for cards of well wishes for the .

"Notes and cards of support are coming in," Western Market owner Steve Selvaggio said. "There is a box. We'll hold them until she is ready to see them."

The drop-off box is in the front of the store, on the service desk, across from the register.

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Ferndale Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan, who is also the woman's cousin, the worker was pulled into a cardboard compactor early Feb. 4. Her arms became lodged in the machine, crushing and nearly severing them, he said. She was rushed to William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. On Feb. 5, doctors had to remove her right arm above the elbow and reconstruct the left arm, Sullivan said.

The woman's family has requested her name be kept private, but the larger Western Market community – management, staff and customers – has rallied around the victim and each other. 

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Selvaggio said the woman has worked at the market for four years and is a lifetime Ferndale resident. "She's genuinely a nice person with an excellent attitude and great work ethic," he said.

A grief counselor has been at the market to help the staff who witnessed the incident, as well as anyone who needed to talk, cope with the experience, Selvaggio said.

"The staff is doing a little bit better," Selvaggio said Friday.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here