A utility lineman from Lincoln, who died on the job in Detroit, was remembered as “the jokester of the family” and “thoughtful and compassionate.”

Austin Chappell, 30, was electrocuted June 24 after working in a bucket lift and coming into contact with a live wire. He was employed by Stateline, which was contracted by Detroit-based DTE Energy, to restore electrical power after severe weather hit that city.

“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that one of our contract partners lost an employer yesterday while doing work for DTE,” DTE said in a statement. “This contract line worker who was working in Detroit came in contact with live equipment and was fatally wounded. We send our love and support to his family and loved ones.”

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the investigation could take several months.

“Our family is heartbroken over the sudden loss of Austin and we will miss him for the rest of our earthly days,” his obituary read. “He was the jokester of the family always looking for opportunities to make someone laugh. He never met a stranger and was a friend to so many. He was as stubborn as they come, but also thoughtful and compassionate.

“He was all the good things in such a harsh world and it’s hard to imagine our lives without him. He was so full of life and taken too soon.”

A 2011 graduate of Lincoln High School, he is survived by his wife, Sara Chappell; daughter Vanessa Chappell; parents, Jeff and Cynthia Chappell; sisters, Whitney Chappell O’Kelley and Laynie Grace Chappell; grandparents, Billy and Jane Chappell, Terry and Elaine Paris.

He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.