Teamster UPS Driver Dies In Tragic Workplace Shooting

Union Establishes Memorial Fund for Family

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, September 27, 2012, UPS Driver Keith Basinski was tragically killed while making a pickup in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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He was one of the victims of a workplace shooting by a disgruntled employee at Accent Signage in Minneapolis.  Unfortunately Keith was in the wrong place at the wrong time and had absolutely no connection to the company or the shooter.  He is survived by three children ages 19 to 25, his parents and five siblings.

"Keith was a great member of our Teamster family who will be sorely missed.  Our heart goes out to his entire family and friends for this terrible loss," said Trevor Lawrence, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 638 in Minneapolis.  "This was a senseless tragedy that will forever weigh heavily on those who had the honor of knowing and working with him."

"The thoughts and prayers of the 1.4 million members of the Teamsters Union are with Brother Basinski's family today," said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President.  "Entire families have been devastated by this tragic event.  We must all remain vigilant to ensure that no family ever experiences this type of tragedy again."

"We pray for all of the families impacted by this tragic event and ask that you take a moment of reflection in memory of these victims," Lawrence went on to say.

Funeral services have been set for Thursday, October 4, at 1:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Christian Center, 7777 University Avenue NE, Spring Lake Park, MN.  Visitation is set for Wednesday, October 3 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, MN.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the Basinski family.  Contributions may be sent to the Minnesota Teamsters Service Bureau, 2828 University Avenue SE, Suite #100, Minneapolis, MN 55414-3384 in care of the Keith Basinski Memorial Fund.

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 32