Sean Michael McDonough took pride in his work as a heavy equipment operator on the Big Dig. A member of Local 4 of the Operating Engineers Union, Sean was a popular figure among the Big Dig construction community. Tragically, on June 26th, while on the job, a construction crane collapsed on top of him, taking his life.

“Sean was incredibly full of life,” shares close cousin, Keri Johnson. “He loved to travel, ski and skydive. But more importantly, he was the most loyal person I know.”

More than 1,000 people arrived at the wake to pay their respects to Sean’s family.

Sean received 69 units of blood that day - 4 at the accident site and 65 at the hospital. Sean’s mother, Charlene, is a radiologist at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, and has seen the need for blood firsthand. When she found out how much blood Sean went through during the ordeal, Charlene immediately began asking people to help replenish the blood supply. Sean’s friends responded the very next day.

The McDonough family is hoping that by sharing their story, they can help lessen the burden for another family experiencing a medical crisis. They want to remind people that donating blood can make a huge difference in the lives of those undergoing a trauma, and can mean the world to the circle of family and friends surrounding a loved one.

“There really wasn’t anything that could be done for Sean, but the ongoing blood transfusions he received allowed his immediate family and close friends the opportunity to say goodbye.”

On July 11, a Red Cross blood drive was held in loving memory of Sean's life at the Wyoming Lodge of Masons in Melrose, Massachusetts. Blood donors had the opportunity to remember Sean while they helped other people desperately in need of blood.

Sean was a frequent donor of blood and platelets and his mom will be on hand at the blood drive to greet people and thank them for coming. “Sean was always the first to go and give blood when someone was in need. Sean was very courageous. He was the kind of person who always gave a helping hand to anyone in need.”

Patient Stories