Michelle Miller Obituary: Bird-in-Hand Employee killed in explosion

Michelle Miller Obituary: 61-year-old, Michelle Miller from Lancaster passed away in the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn explosion on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

The owner of the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn has identified the employee killed in the explosion on Monday as Michelle Miller, and they have organized a candlelight vigil to take place on Thursday.

The company said Miller was a night auditor at the hotel, who worked there for 34 years.

“Michelle was a long-time and much-loved member of the Bird-in-Hand family, and we are heartbroken by her tragic loss,” said John E. Smucker, II, Bird-in-Hand’s president and chief executive officer in a statement. “We are committed to honoring her memory.”

Pennsylvania State Police said the blast happened after 8:00 a.m. on Monday, and was caused by a propane leak. Officials with the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn said the explosion resulted in between $1 million and $2 million in damage.

Bird-in-Hand Corporation invited staff and the community to attend a vigil for Miller on Thursday, December 21 at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Family Inn.

On Thursday, there will be a candlelight Vigil by 6 pm at the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn front lawn. Parking will be at the Farmers Market.