The son of a Delta Air Lines employee who tragically died at the airline’s aircraft maintenance facility in Atlanta has stated that his father’s body was “unrecognizable” and could only be identified through his tattoos.
Mirko Marweg, aged 58, affectionately known as “Mr. Fix-It,” had a rich work history, serving four years in the Air Force and working for the MARTA metro system before joining Delta Air Lines for over 20 years. His son, Andre Coleman, expressed disbelief and shock regarding the loss. Coleman recounted, “I wanted to view the body because I didn’t believe it was true. Neither did my mom,” adding that they were able to identify Marweg through his tattoos and a Mississippi State lanyard he wore.
The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. at Delta’s Technical Operations Center, located adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Marweg was one of two workers who died while performing maintenance on wheel components at a wheel and brake shop. A third worker sustained serious injuries during the incident. Delta confirmed that the parts were not connected to any aircraft at the time.
The second victim was identified as 37-year-old Luis Aldarondo, while the injured worker continues to receive medical care. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently conducting a federal investigation into the incident.
Living in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Marweg was planning to retire in a few months, as noted by local news outlets. Coleman shared fond memories of his father, recalling that just days before, Marweg had assisted him in changing the oil on his motorcycle. “That’s the kind of dad he was. He was always there,” Coleman said.
Details regarding the cause of the explosion have not yet been disclosed, but it is reported that the aircraft involved, a Boeing 757-200, had arrived from Las Vegas late Sunday evening.