The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the second victim of the tragic U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Plant explosion as 52-year-old Steven Menefee of Clairton. Menefee, a father of two, died as a result of the industrial incident that has shaken both the local community and the steel industry.

Family members shared heartfelt memories of Menefee, describing him as a loving man with a generous spirit and a deep faith that guided his life. “He would give you the shirt off his back,” relatives told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.

Known for his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need, Menefee leaves behind not only his children but also a wide circle of friends, neighbors, and colleagues who will miss him deeply.

The deadly explosion occurred Monday at the Clairton Coke Plant, part of U.S. Steel’s sprawling steel works along the Monongahela River. The blast, which officials say involved coke-oven gas, destroyed a portion of the facility and sent shockwaves through the surrounding area.

In addition to Menefee, the explosion claimed the life of Timothy Quinn, whose death had been confirmed earlier in the week. Emergency crews worked tirelessly in the aftermath of the blast, rescuing another worker who had been trapped under rubble.

That individual, along with nine others injured in the explosion, was transported to area hospitals for treatment. As of Wednesday afternoon, officials confirmed that two of the injured workers remained hospitalized, with their conditions undisclosed.

The incident has prompted multiple investigations aimed at determining exactly what caused the blast. Both U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers union have pledged to prioritize transparency and safety throughout the process.

Bernie Hall, director of United Steelworkers District 10, issued a strong statement emphasizing the union’s commitment to worker safety. “Health and safety is at the core of the work we do as a union, and every worker deserves to go home every day,” Hall said.

“We’re going to fight to ensure that the investigation into what happened is thorough and, just as importantly, transparent.” U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt also addressed the tragedy, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and reiterating the company’s commitment to uncovering the cause.

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees and the environment,” Burritt said in a statement. “We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available.” He later spoke at a press conference in Clairton, echoing his earlier remarks and pledging the company’s full cooperation with investigators.

For the city of Clairton, where the plant has long been an economic cornerstone, the explosion has brought grief and uncertainty. Many residents have family members or friends employed at the facility, and the community is rallying together to support those directly affected.

Local leaders, worker advocates, and safety experts are calling for rigorous safety inspections and procedural reviews to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. The plant, which produces coke — a crucial component in steelmaking — operates complex and potentially hazardous equipment, making strict adherence to safety protocols essential.

As the investigation continues, the families of Steven Menefee and Timothy Quinn are left to cope with immeasurable loss. Community members are organizing vigils and support efforts, both to honor the lives of the victims and to assist the injured workers still recovering.

Menefee’s life and legacy, defined by generosity, faith, and dedication to his loved ones, will be remembered by all who knew him. His death, along with that of Quinn, stands as a somber reminder of the risks industrial workers face each day — and the importance of making safety not just a priority, but a promise.