'Selfless' Wrestling Coach, 'Great Man' Killed In Explosion Mourned

TINLEY PARK, IL — Staff, students and families of Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park are mourning a beloved wrestling coach who died tragically Tuesday morning.

Dru Worker, 25, of Homewood, was killed in an explosion at a petroleum plant in Lemont. Will County Sheriff's Office believe an explosion happened in an asphalt tank at the Seneca Petroleum plant, killing Worker and injuring another man. Both men were contractors on-site with M&J Industrial Services, ABC7 reports.

OSHA Investigating Fatal Explosion At Seneca Petroleum In Lemont

"With heavy hearts, we learned of the loss of Dru Worker," District 230 said. "Dru tragically died in an oil refinery explosion in Lemont. As a VJA assistant wrestling coach, Dru worked to grow our T-Bolts on and off the mats. He helped instill confidence and sportsmanship in our T-Bolts. Our deepest condolences to the Worker family."

Principal Dr. Abir Othman also shared sentiments about Worker via social media.

"Heartbreaking for Andrew HS D230 community," wrote Othman. "Dru was an impactful coach and friend to many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Worker family."

Worker was also a coach with the Tinley Park Bulldogs Wrestling organization. The organization shared its grief.

Andrew High School Head Wrestling Coach Peter Kowalczuk said he was "truly devastated" by the news of Worker's death.

"He was a great man that was extremely dedicated to helping others grow in the sport of wrestling," Kowalczuk tweeted.

Kowalczuk had just spent time with Worker the night prior to his death, discussing plans for the future of the high school's wrestling program.

"During his time with the program he was selfless, put the athletes first, and showed amazing promise as a coach," Kowalczuk said. "Dru and I had grown close over the last couple of months, as coaches do over the course of the season. He was honest, caring, and pushed me to be a better coach."

A Mount Carmel High School social media account for supporters of its wrestling program also paid homage to Worker.

"The Caravan suffered a big loss yesterday: 2016 Alumnus Dru Worker tragically died in a work accident," the page reads. "Dru was a CCL Champ and All-state wrestler on the nationally renowned 2016 team. At this time, please pray for Dru and the entire Worker family..."

Kowalczuk reflected that he wished they'd had more time together as coaches.

"You will be missed Dru," Kowalczuk wrote. "You left an incredible mark on me and the Andrew Wrestling program. I wish we had longer to see our plans through. I am proud to have coached alongside of you. Thank you for everything, buddy."