TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) – Relatives mourn the death of brothers Max and Ben Morrissey after a deadly fire at the BP Husky refinery in Ohio earlier this week.
WTVG reports that family friend Zac Schabel shared memories of the brothers as he grew up on the family street.
“They were extremely close. Wherever Max would go, Ben would go. If there was any kind of fight, they would always support each other, and they were definitely two boys you didn’t want to mess with,” Shabel said.
The brothers leave behind their wives and small children.
“Max had two kids and Ben had a son. It’s just devastating as a father myself. The last time we met we talked about being fathers. My heart just sinks,” Schabel said .
Max Morrisey recently launched a pizzeria and ice cream shop called Red Eye Pie and Frozen Fantasty’s in Oregon, Ohio.
“One of his dreams was to own an ice cream shop. It’s between our two homes, and we used to meet to hang out. I know when the business changed hands, he had the opportunity to take over the business and he just wanted it to stay in the community,” Schabel said.
The community rallied together to support the Morrissey family. United Steelworkers Local 1-346 has created a fund for Ben and Max Morrisey. Those interested in donating can visit the Croghan Colonial Bank located at 4157 Navarre Ave. in Oregon, Ohio.
BP did not immediately share what caused Tuesday’s fire, which was extinguished around 10:15 p.m. There was also no word on the extent of the damage.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce that two BP employees injured in a fire at the BP Husky Toledo refinery have passed away,” a company spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of these two individuals. All other staff are being taken care of and our Employee Assistance team is on site in Toledo to support our employees affected by this tragedy.
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