Mel Overwater

Mel Overwater, 71, along with a student intern, was assisting a senior resident by cleaning up overgrown weeds around their front porch. Mel reached for a trash can to drag lawn clippings to the curb when a swarm of yellow jackets became agitated and came out to attack him. The severe stings sent him to the hospital where he passed away. "The Mayor, Council, and everyone at the City of Dearborn are devastated by the loss of Mr. Overwater. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all mourn the loss of this kind and dedicated public servant." Mel retired from Ford Motor Company after 33 years. For many years he served as a Dearborn Reserve Police Officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. For the last 10 years, he worked for the Neighborhood Services Department. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Mel immigrated to the United States in 1957.