SAD NEWS: Bills Diehard Who Raised Three Kids to Love the Game Dies in U.S. Steel Plant Explosion

Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Bills community is mourning the loss of one of its own after the devastating U.S. Steel plant explosion in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, claimed the life of Timothy Quinn, a devoted father of three and a proud Bills diehard.

Timothy, 39, was more than just a fan in the stands. Born and raised in Fitz Henry and later living in West Newton, he carried his love for the Bills into every corner of his life — and into the hearts of his three children. Friends recall how he would sit them down on Sundays, decked out in red, white, and blue, teaching them the rules, the history, and the pride of being part of Bills Mafia.

Whether it was bundling the kids into the car for a road trip to Buffalo or gathering around the TV for away games, Timothy turned every kickoff into a family tradition.

“He wanted them to love the game the way he did,” a close friend shared. “For him, it was about family, community, and believing in something bigger than yourself.”

A second-generation steelworker, Timothy had spent over 15 years at the Clairton Coke Works plant, the largest coke-producing facility in the country. Colleagues say he was a steady, reliable presence — someone you could count on for a shift swap, a helping hand, or a laugh during long hours.

On August 11, 2025, an explosion ripped through the plant’s coke oven batteries 13 and 14, killing Timothy instantly and injuring 10 others. He was one of two lives lost that day.

The news of his passing rippled quickly from Westmoreland County to Buffalo, where fellow Bills fans began sharing tributes online. Photos of Timothy in Bills gear with his kids filled social media feeds, alongside messages of solidarity for his family.

The United Steelworkers union has pledged support to Timothy’s loved ones, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro met with the family to offer condolences and a promise to investigate the cause of the tragedy.

From Pittsburgh to Buffalo, fans are organizing donations and memorial tributes. Some plan to wear a patch with Timothy’s initials at the next home game. Others are sending Bills gear to his children, hoping to carry forward the tradition he built.

In a season where the Bills look to write their own story, Timothy Quinn leaves behind a legacy no scoreboard can measure — the love of the game, the strength of family, and the pride of a community that refuses to forget one of its own.