In a horrific workplace accident, 30-year-old Brianna Danielle Coyle was killed after becoming trapped in a machine at Carolina Cotton Works in Gaffney, South Carolina. The incident occurred on April 10, 2024, around 11:30 a.m., stirring sorrow and concern across the community and industry. Gaffney is located close to the border with North Carolina, approximately 55 miles southwest of Charlotte.
Coyle, a mother and a beloved community member from Blacksburg, was performing her duties at the textile factory when the accident happened. According to witnesses, she became entangled in the machinery she was operating. Despite the rapid response from her colleagues, who discovered and extracted her from the machine, Coyle died from her injuries shortly after arriving at Cherokee Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead before 1:00 PM.
The loss has left a void in the hearts of her family. Jessica Bell, Coyle’s stepmother, expressed her grief on social media, stating, “I have no words to explain how much this hurts baby girl. You wasn’t just my stepdaughter but my friend long before that.”
Carolina Cotton Works, known for producing medical gowns, masks, and military gear, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Brittiany Rape, the human resources manager at the company, spoke to reporters about the severity of the incident. “We experienced a tragic accident at CCW today,” Rape said. “Sadly, we lost one of our employees. We are profoundly affected and are working with the authorities as we proceed with our investigation.”
The South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation to uncover the details of Coyle’s death. The investigation aims to prevent such incidents in the future by closely examining the plant’s safety protocols and machinery operations.
Coyle’s family and friends remember her vibrant presence and the joy she brought. Her last social media post, a bathroom mirror selfie showing her flashing a peace sign with a smile, now serves as a poignant reminder of her spirit.
Carolina Cotton Works has pledged full cooperation with the authorities to uncover the details of the accident and support the grieving family and community.
