DTE Energy: Detroit man killed while installing illegal power hookup

DETROIT – DTE Energy said a Detroit man was killed while trying to install an illegal power hookup.

Michael Ford, 61, was found dead late Monday morning on Fischer Street, not far from the intersection of Mack Avenue and Van Dyke Street.

DTE can’t officially say the man was electrocuted, but their investigation showed he did fall out of a tree and they located tools nearby consistent with an illegal electrical hookup.

His family said they don’t know for sure what he was doing there, but they believe his intent was good. His sister, Deborah Upshaw, said her younger brother was the type of man who was always helping people, no matter what the job. She said he was full of love, life and that he will be truly missed.

DTE wants to remind everyone that as winter approaches if you feel like you are unable to pay for heat, contact 211 for assistance or call DTE.


About the Authors

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.

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