TimkenSteel worker injured in melt shop explosion has died

The family of a TimkenSteel worker severely burned in a furnace explosion last month was searching for a hospital that offered specialized treatment to help save his life when he passed away late Friday evening.

"Please help me save my husband ... I am begging you," Amber Ferrall said Thursday as she desperately sought help.

Alliance resident Joe Ferrall, 34, had been in critical condition at Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center's Burn Unit since the July 26 explosion at the TimkenSteel Faircrest Plant in Perry Township.

Ferrall and two other workers were injured when a furnace exploded in the plant’s melt shop.

Since the explosion, Ferrall had been sedated and on a ventilator with severely damaged lungs, his wife said.

Ferrall developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The damage was severe.

More:Three workers injured at TimkenSteel's Faircrest plant in explosion

Ferrall’s wife had hoped some hospital would accept the father of their three young boys as a candidate for a treatment known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which they believe to be his last chance for survival.

ECMO is considered an advanced form of life support that targets the heart and lungs. Ferrall said the treatment was referenced by a physician at Metro, who said it was unknown if anyone would deem her husband a candidate, so the odds were slim. ECMO isn't offered at Metro.

She said another local hospital denied the family, saying it isn't equipped to care for burn patients.

More:July accident at Faircrest steel plant stalling TimkenSteel production

TimkenSteel Faircrest plant explosion remains under investigation

Pat Eslich, president at United Steelworkers Golden Lodge Local Union 1123, told the Canton Repository that as of Thursday, the melt shop where the furnace explosion occurred remains closed.

"Only one of the three injured men have returned to work," Eslich said.

He said the cause has yet to be determined and remains under investigation.

TimkenSteel could not immediately be reached Thursday for comment.

Reach Cassandra cnist@gannett.com; Follow on Twitter @Cassienist

More:TimkenSteel explosion update: One worker hospitalized, two treated and released