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 ↑

£260k Newcastle Cathedral scaffolding contract opens for bids

Newcastle City Council has opened a £260,000 scaffolding tender to provide specialist access for conservation repairs to Newcastle Cathedral’s historic 15th-century Lantern Tower.

£4.5m scaffolding framework opens for contractors in North East and Yorkshire

Beyond Housing has opened bidding for a £4.5m scaffolding framework covering planned and reactive works across Redcar and Cleveland and parts of North Yorkshire.

Australia steps up push for scaffolding to gain skilled-trade status

Scaffolding Association Australia has taken its campaign for formal trade recognition and a structured apprenticeship pathway to federal decision-makers in Canberra.

Robot inspection removes need for scaffold access on 70m Cemex kiln

A wall-climbing robot has completed ultrasonic testing across a 70m rotary kiln at Cemex’s Rugby cement plant, removing the need for personnel to work at height and avoiding a conventional scaffold or rope-access operation.

Acrow set to complete AGIS acquisition as industrial access expansion accelerates

Australian scaffolding and construction services group Acrow is preparing to complete its acquisition of AusGroup Industrial Services as it pushes deeper into industrial access across Queensland’s resources and infrastructure markets.

Latest news

£500k scaffolding package opens on major North Somerset campus

A £500,000 scaffolding package is among a series of opportunities being brought to market for Epic Systems’ new European headquarters near Bristol, with local contractors being urged to register their interest.
- Advertisement -
More from

Major fire hits scaffolding yard in Mitcham

Around 125 firefighters were deployed to a major fire in Mitcham that affected a scaffolding yard, workshop and nearby property, with investigators now examining the cause of the blaze.

£260k Newcastle Cathedral scaffolding contract opens for bids

Newcastle City Council has opened a £260,000 scaffolding tender to provide specialist access for conservation repairs to Newcastle Cathedral’s historic 15th-century Lantern Tower.

NASC calls for HSE funding boost and national scaffolding training network

The NASC has called for increased HSE funding, a nationwide network of scaffolding training providers and stronger protections for contractors as it launches its updated 2026 manifesto.

£4.5m scaffolding framework opens for contractors in North East and Yorkshire

Beyond Housing has opened bidding for a £4.5m scaffolding framework covering planned and reactive works across Redcar and Cleveland and parts of North Yorkshire.
Latest articles