Tragedy Strikes Clinton Township: Turner Lee Salter Identified as Victim of Explosions
A devastating incident in Clinton Township, Michigan has left the community in shock and mourning. The Macomb County medical examiner has identified the young man who lost his life in the Monday night explosions as 19-year-old Turner Lee Salter. The incident occurred at a vape supply facility located on 15 Mile, where a fire and a series of thunderous explosions sent debris flying as far as two miles away. Salter, a resident of Clinton Township, was struck by a canister less than half a mile from the site, resulting in his untimely death.
Dr. Mary E. Pietrangelo, the Macomb County Medical Examiner, revealed that Salter’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. His date of death is listed as Tuesday, according to Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., a local funeral home. The tragic event also resulted in injuries to a firefighter, who has since been released from the hospital with minor injuries.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosions at the facility, which is known by two names: Select Distributors and Goo Smoke Shop. The facility housed various hazardous materials such as butane, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid, and vape pens. Disturbingly, officials have confirmed that the canisters responsible for the explosions were not stored legally on the premises. Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon expressed his concern regarding the storage of these dangerous materials and stated that township officials were unaware of their presence or purpose.
The aftermath of the explosions left a trail of destruction in its wake. Canisters weighing between 10 and 15 pounds were propelled with such force that they embedded into nearby buildings and cars. The impact was so intense that the area resembled a war zone. In light of this, the township is taking precautions and delaying personnel from entering the scene until they can guarantee that the fire won’t flare up again.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is providing assistance with the investigation. Their expertise will be crucial in determining the cause of the explosions and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. Meanwhile, the community has come together to remember and honor Turner Lee Salter.
Salter’s impact on those around him was profound. Pastor Tim Berlin of Faith Baptist Church in Clinton Township, where Salter and his family attended, spoke highly of the young man. Berlin described Salter as a kind and dependable individual with a sweet personality. Salter actively participated in the church’s media department, displaying his commitment to his faith and community.
Turner Lee Salter’s obituary on legacy.com reflects his unwavering faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He spent his life as an active member of Faith Baptist Church, forming strong friendships and volunteering in its sound and audio booth. Outside of his religious activities, Salter enjoyed spending time with his family, engaging in gardening, photography, bowling, and traveling.
Friends and acquaintances have expressed their grief and shared fond memories of Salter. Janice Mitchell fondly remembers when he would visit her home to spend time with his friend Michael, emphasizing his joyful and respectful nature. Diana and Vince Palazzolo expressed their sadness upon hearing of Salter’s passing, describing him as a good man and a hard worker.
A funeral service for Turner Lee Salter is scheduled for Friday at Faith Baptist Church. The visitation will be held on Thursday evening and Friday morning prior to the funeral service. The community has also been invited to donate in Salter’s memory through the church’s website.
The loss of such a young life is a tragedy that has deeply affected the Clinton Township community. As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the explosions, the focus remains on honoring Turner Lee Salter’s memory and supporting his grieving family.
