10/23/2026
Yesterday, tragedy struck the Basic Metals family. An accident claimed the life of long-term beloved teammate, Chris.
No one has ever been more beloved by our customers, the employees - everyone - than Chris…and for me, the guy behind the keyboard, personally- he was my brother. Uncle to my children, husband to my sister, and “favorite child” to my Mother. The best person I ever knew. The type of man everyone that met him wished they could be more like.
We are crushed. I am crushed. Knowing he won’t ever be there in the morning opening the gates, or at the scale lifting things with ease that would take two of me to do…it’s impossible to wrap our heads around. And yet, I haven’t stopped thinking about that since the moment it happened.
Hold your loved ones closely. Say the thing you have wanted to say to that person but weren’t sure. Be vulnerable. Do the thing you keep thinking you’re going to do “some day”. Make today some day.
It really is all so precious and so short.
Love you, Chris. Always and forever. From Basic - condolences to the family, the friends, the customers, our employees - everyone who will miss him.
We are hurting with you. Rest easy now, brother.
