Leesburg, Ohio — The quiet community is now grieving after a workplace incident claimed the life of Thomas Ira Boles Jr., a 50-year-old employee at the Candle-Lite plant in Leesburg. The incident happened on Thursday and has left family, friends, and coworkers in shock.
Emergency crews were called to the Highland County facility after reports of a serious situation on site. Responders arrived quickly and worked to save him, but Thomas Ira Boles Jr. did not survive the incident.
Back in Greenfield, Ohio, where many knew him, the news spread fast and hit hard. People who worked with him describe him as steady, dependable, and someone who always showed up ready to do his job without complaint.
For his family, the loss has been especially painful. Loved ones are now trying to process how quickly everything changed, turning an ordinary workday into a moment of permanent heartbreak.
Coworkers at the plant are also struggling. Many say he was part of the everyday rhythm of the workplace, someone familiar whose absence now feels heavy and unreal.
Luminex President Michael Callahan called the event a serious workplace tragedy and confirmed that emergency teams responded immediately. He also said the company is working closely with OSHA and other authorities as the investigation continues.
Out of respect for the family and the ongoing review, officials have not released further details. The focus, they say, remains on supporting employees and those directly affected.
As both Leesburg and Greenfield continue to mourn, the name Thomas Ira Boles Jr. is now remembered not just as a worker, but as a life cut short far too soon, leaving behind grief that will take time to heal.
