‘He Was My Best Friend’: Explosion at Pryor Chemical Plant Claims Life of Barnsdall Man
PRYOR, Oklahoma — An Oklahoma family is mourning the loss of 59-year-old Lonnie Swift, a longtime oil and gas worker from Barnsdall, who died over the weekend in an explosion at a chemical plant in Pryor. Swift had just started a new job three days before the tragic accident that took his life, leaving loved ones devastated and searching for answers.
Explosion at LSB Industries Plant
Authorities said the fatal blast occurred at the LSB Industries facility in Pryor on October 4. Swift was working as a welder’s helper when the explosion happened, according to family members. His nephew, Matthew Muse, said Swift was holding a T-joint weld so the welder could secure it when the blast erupted. The Mayes County Sheriff’s Office has classified the incident as an industrial accident, though the exact cause has not been confirmed.
Family Devastated by Loss
Under a shaded picnic table in Avant, Swift’s family gathered to grieve and remember the man they called “the heart of the family.” His niece, Krystal Alsup, said the news left a void that can never be filled. “It’ll be a hole that’s never filled,” she said, recalling her uncle’s kindness and dedication. Swift’s sister, Jeanna, described him as her best friend — a dependable man who would help anyone, at any hour. “He was my best friend. He would do anything for me. He was always there,” she said.
Remembering a Hardworking and Humble Man
Swift had spent more than 40 years in the oil and gas industry, where he was known for his strong work ethic and humility. “Called to ask him for help at 3:00 in the morning and he’d be there,” Muse said. Family members said he lived simply, cared deeply for others, and always put his loved ones first. As the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) begins its investigation into the explosion, the family’s focus remains on celebrating the life he lived and the impact he left behind. “You can sit and talk about how good people were and everything, but he honestly, he was,” Jeanna said.
Community Support and Farewell Plans
Swift will be laid to rest at the Bartlesville Funeral Home, where friends and family plan to gather and honor his memory. A GoFundMe page has been created to assist with funeral expenses and support his grieving family. The company operating the Pryor chemical plant did not respond to requests for comment.
For more updates on workplace safety, community tragedies, and local stories impacting Oklahoma families, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.