‘Better working conditions’: Family of shipyard worker raises concerns after loved one’s death

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) —A family is in mourning after last week’s accident at a Norfolk shipyard.

2 dead after incident at MHI Ship Repair in Norfolk, officials investigate

Loved ones and friends have identified one of the victims as 55-year-old John Robinson, a fleet technician at Marine Hydraulics International. His family said he has worked on ships all over the world, but his life came to a tragic end at Marine Hydraulics International, with his family seeking answers and accountability.

“Better working conditions for our shipyard workers,” said Jasmine Robinson, John Robinson’s sister, adding, “this was a great man and he did not deserve to die this way.”

Details about what exactly happened are unclear.

On Oct. 23 emergency crews responded to MHI for a technical rescue, and while Jasmine believes there was an elevator malfunction, the company hasn’t confirmed that.

“The only thing I have is from the medical examiner,” Jasmine Robinson said. “It says blunt force trauma to the torso, extreme blunt force trauma to the torso.”

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