Brett McMichael suffered critical injuries while trying to stabilize a grave marker at a church cemetery in Juliette.
JULIETTE, Ga. — A longtime Georgia volunteer firefighter has died after a monument weighing about 700 pounds fell on him while he was helping maintain a church cemetery, according to his family.
Brett McMichael, 52, was injured June 26 at the cemetery of Juliette United Methodist Church. His family said McMichael had been cutting grass when he, his father and another person tried to level the monument so mowing crews and cemetery visitors could move safely around it.
The group used a strap in an effort to stabilize the monument, but it gave way and struck McMichael, his family said. The impact knocked him unconscious, and he was airlifted to a hospital in Macon.
McMichael was admitted to a neurological intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator. His family said doctors removed part of his skull to relieve pressure caused by swelling in his brain.
He also suffered two broken vertebrae in his neck, an ankle fracture and serious facial injuries, according to relatives. The family initially expressed hope that he could survive despite the extent of his injuries.
“For him to survive that in the first place, that’s a miracle,” his daughter-in-law, Grace McMichael, said while he remained hospitalized.
Grace McMichael said he was trying to secure the monument out of respect for the person buried at the gravesite and to keep it from falling on visitors or people maintaining the cemetery.
After meeting with McMichael’s medical team July 6, the family said it had made the difficult decision to end life-supporting treatment because of his prognosis and the quality of life doctors expected him to face. McMichael later died, according to relatives.
McMichael had served as a volunteer firefighter for 35 years. His family described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who regularly helped neighbors and other people in his community.
He was also the primary caregiver for his wife, Donna McMichael, who has chronic lung disease, requires continuous oxygen and is disabled, the family said. Relatives have been raising money to help with medical bills, funeral expenses and her continuing needs.
McMichael’s family said he became an organ donor, allowing his final act of service to help other patients. Funeral arrangements and community memorial efforts were being completed following his death.
Author note: Last updated July 15, 2026.