Stepup Scaffolding CEO And Executives Killed In Plane Crash

ADVERTISEMENT

Scaffolding manufacturers and distributors Stepup Scaffolding have announced the tragic death of their CEO Wei Chen and 3 executives.

Stepup Scaffolding a subsidiary of Sunshine Enterprise Inc, based in Scotland and headquartered in Memphis USA has identified four of its employees as victims killed in a plane crash.

According to reports, the business jet flown by Chen plunged out of the sky crashing into a football field in an Atlanta park as it was making its way from Atlanta to Memphis on Thursday 20 December.

Wei Chen, John Chen, Bruce Pelynio and Danielle Mitchell were identified as victims in the crash, according to Stepup Scaffolding President, Mike McAnnally.

Sunshine Enterprise Executive Council Members (left to right) Mike McAnnally, President, StepUp Scaffold, a Sunshine Enterprise Company, Danielle Mitchell Harding, Controller, Sunshine Enterprise, Wei Chen, Founder Sunshine Enterprise, Bruce Pelynio, President, Heli Americas and John Chen, Chief Operations Officer, Sunshine Enterprise.

Sunshine Enterprise released a statement on Friday 21 December.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the most difficult of news. On December 20th, we lost our fearless leader, Wei Chen as well as our COO, John Chen; Heli Americas CEO’ Bruce Pelynio; and Comptroller Danielle Mitchell to a tragic plane crash.

“Our company is grieving, but I have nothing but confidence when I tell you that we, as the team at Sunshine Enterprise, will persevere and will continue to serve our customers in the way they expect — with dedication and with care.”

“Please keep the families of our incredible leadership team in your thoughts and prayers.” The statement said.

Commenting on the tragic news, Andrew Smith from Avontus Software said: “Although they have been in the UK for a couple of years and a relatively young scaffolding manufacturer they were very well respected. Both Wei and John were true gentlemen and an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

Most popular ↑

Wayne Connolly honoured as NASC opens 2026 awards entries

NASC has opened entries for the 2026 Scaffolding Excellence...

GKR scaffolders help save woman’s life at London project

A GKR Scaffolding site team has been praised after...

Mock the Week star to host ScaffEx26 awards night

Comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain has been...

TRAD UK launches charity campaign supporting Epilepsy Action

TRAD UK has launched a new fundraising campaign in...

CISRS Accreditation Granted For Safety & Access Indian Training Center

  CISRS has awarded Safety & Access Ltd full overseas...

Latest news

Stepup Scaffolding CEO And Executives Killed In Plane Crash

ADVERTISEMENT

Scaffolding manufacturers and distributors Stepup Scaffolding have announced the tragic death of their CEO Wei Chen and 3 executives.

Stepup Scaffolding a subsidiary of Sunshine Enterprise Inc, based in Scotland and headquartered in Memphis USA has identified four of its employees as victims killed in a plane crash.

According to reports, the business jet flown by Chen plunged out of the sky crashing into a football field in an Atlanta park as it was making its way from Atlanta to Memphis on Thursday 20 December.

Wei Chen, John Chen, Bruce Pelynio and Danielle Mitchell were identified as victims in the crash, according to Stepup Scaffolding President, Mike McAnnally.

Sunshine Enterprise Executive Council Members (left to right) Mike McAnnally, President, StepUp Scaffold, a Sunshine Enterprise Company, Danielle Mitchell Harding, Controller, Sunshine Enterprise, Wei Chen, Founder Sunshine Enterprise, Bruce Pelynio, President, Heli Americas and John Chen, Chief Operations Officer, Sunshine Enterprise.

Sunshine Enterprise released a statement on Friday 21 December.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the most difficult of news. On December 20th, we lost our fearless leader, Wei Chen as well as our COO, John Chen; Heli Americas CEO’ Bruce Pelynio; and Comptroller Danielle Mitchell to a tragic plane crash.

“Our company is grieving, but I have nothing but confidence when I tell you that we, as the team at Sunshine Enterprise, will persevere and will continue to serve our customers in the way they expect — with dedication and with care.”

“Please keep the families of our incredible leadership team in your thoughts and prayers.” The statement said.

Commenting on the tragic news, Andrew Smith from Avontus Software said: “Although they have been in the UK for a couple of years and a relatively young scaffolding manufacturer they were very well respected. Both Wei and John were true gentlemen and an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

Popular Categories

Latest posts

HAKI CEO Sverker Lindberg to step down by 2027

HAKI Safety has confirmed that its President and CEO, Sverker Lindberg, will leave his position no later than April 2027. The company said Lindberg has...

Staht signs US distribution deal for digital pull testing range

UK digital pull testing manufacturer Staht has appointed Diversified Fall Protection as its exclusive distributor in the United States. The agreement will see Diversified market,...

GKR scaffolders help save woman’s life at London project

A GKR Scaffolding site team has been praised after helping to save the life of a woman who collapsed outside a live London project. The...

King’s Award recognises Lee Marley Group’s training work

Lee Marley Group has received a King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its work to widen access to careers in construction. The large-scale construction...

Mock the Week star to host ScaffEx26 awards night

Comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain has been confirmed as the host of this year’s Scaffolding Excellence Awards. The awards evening will take place...

Wayne Connolly honoured as NASC opens 2026 awards entries

NASC has opened entries for the 2026 Scaffolding Excellence Awards, with this year’s apprentice category renamed in memory of former NASC president and CISRS...

TRAD UK launches charity campaign supporting Epilepsy Action

TRAD UK has launched a new fundraising campaign in support of Epilepsy Action, the national charity helping people and families affected by epilepsy. The 2026-27...

Scaffolding firms urged to review RIDDOR procedures as HSE consults on changes

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, known...

Scottish offshore workers urged to consider scaffolding careers

The Construction Industry Training Board is targeting workers from Scotland’s offshore energy sector as part of efforts to widen the construction talent pool and...

NASC warns members over online conduct in new media policy

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation said the new Social Media and General Media Policy sets expectations for how its members, CISRS centres and...

Spring Issue #29 | Past issues >>

Latest topics

Most popular ⚡︎

Wayne Connolly honoured as NASC opens 2026 awards entries

NASC has opened entries for the 2026 Scaffolding Excellence...

GKR scaffolders help save woman’s life at London project

A GKR Scaffolding site team has been praised after...

Mock the Week star to host ScaffEx26 awards night

Comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain has been...

TRAD UK launches charity campaign supporting Epilepsy Action

TRAD UK has launched a new fundraising campaign in...

CISRS Accreditation Granted For Safety & Access Indian Training Center

  CISRS has awarded Safety & Access Ltd full overseas...

Related articles

ADVERTISEMENTS
More from
Latest articles

Australian scaffolding body warns Kwikform collapse exposes subcontractor risks

Australia’s scaffolding trade body has said the voluntary administration of the Kwikform group highlights...

HAKI CEO Sverker Lindberg to step down by 2027

HAKI Safety has confirmed that its President and CEO, Sverker Lindberg, will leave his...

Staht signs US distribution deal for digital pull testing range

UK digital pull testing manufacturer Staht has appointed Diversified Fall Protection as its exclusive...

GKR scaffolders help save woman’s life at London project

A GKR Scaffolding site team has been praised after helping to save the life...

King’s Award recognises Lee Marley Group’s training work

Lee Marley Group has received a King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its...

Mock the Week star to host ScaffEx26 awards night

Comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain has been confirmed as the host of...