Road employee killed in construction zone crash on last day of work, commission says

An Eaton County Road Commission employee was struck and killed in a work zone crash on Tuesday and the commission’s offices will be closed this week.

“Yesterday was supposed to be his last day with ECRC,” according to a statement from the commission. “He was preparing to begin a new chapter up north, and, in doing so, finally live out his dream of calling Northern Michigan his home. He was excited for what was ahead and looking forward to continuing his career. Instead, his life was tragically cut short while doing the work he knew and was proud to do.”

The collision happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a statement from the Michigan State Police’s District 1.

Lansing Road was temporarily closed for road work with flag workers directing traffic and three road commission trucks parked nearby. A 33-year-old man from Charlotte, driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup, stopped for a flag worker’s directions. A man from Owosso, driving a Kenworth sanitation truck, was unable to stop and crashed into the pickup, pushing it into the three unoccupied road commission trucks, according to preliminary information from the State Police.

The 24-year-old road commission employee tried to avoid the vehicles but was hit by both, according to State Police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pickup truck driver and a passenger were treated for minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

“Yesterday’s tragic crash in Eaton County is a sobering reminder of the dangers our road crews face every day. We urge every driver approaching a work zone to slow down, stay focused, and give workers the space they need to do their jobs safely. A few extra seconds of caution can save a life.” said Lt Rene Gonzalez, of the Michigan State Police, First District Public Information Officer.

In a statement the road commission said the man “was more than an employee; he was part of the ECRC family, a valued member of our road crew, and a friend to many. His dedication to his coworkers and the community will not be forgotten.

Yesterday was supposed to be his last day with ECRC. He was preparing to begin a new chapter up north, and, in doing so, finally live out his dream of calling Northern Michigan his home. He was excited for what was ahead and looking forward to continuing his career. Instead, his life was tragically cut short while doing the work he knew and was proud to do.

He was one of our own, and no matter where the road was taking him next, he was always going to have a place in the ECRC family. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time. No further information is available to share at this time.”

The Road Commission offices will be closed until Monday. Should you have a road related issue, please report it at https://eatoncountyroad.com/report-a-problem/, or call back on Monday. If it is an emergency or an immediate safety issue that needs to be addressed, please call 911.