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Caltrans Remembers Three More Fallen

Caltrans commemorated the loss of three employees in the last year during its 27th Annual Workers Memorial at the State Capitol on April 27, and with ceremonies held at regional offices, including District 5 on the Central Coast on May 2.

The total is now 187 Caltrans employees who lost their lives on the job since 1921.

Dignitaries, Caltrans employees, and family and friends paid special tribute to Jorge Lopez, Randy Whisenhunt and Annette Brooks, who all lost their lives since last year’s memorial. Lopez was an electrician who was struck and killed at the age of 57, on September 1, 2016, by an errant big rig that crossed onto the shoulder of State Route 14 near Palmdale.

 

Whisenhunt was an electrician from the Escondido Yard, who passed away on October 9, 2016, at the age of 58, as a result of injuries suffered on the job. Lopez and Whisenhunt are each survived by a wife and three children.

Brooks, was a Structural Steel Painter Supervisor, and was shot and killed at the age of 61, at a Caltrans facility in Rio Dell on April 24.

 

The most recent death was also the most bizarre. According to the Sheriffs office in the region, Brooks, was apparently by a fellow employee who then turned the gun on himself. Brooks was a 36-year veteran at Caltrans

“We honor and recognize the tremendous loss that their loved ones and friends have suffered,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty at the Sacramento event. “The greatest honor we can give is to keep their memories alive to help prevent future tragedies.”

California Highway Patrol (CHP) Chief Reginald Chappelle and City of Morro Bay Mayor Jamie Irons will spoke at the San Luis Obispo event.

2016 Workers Memorial Ceremony; Director Malcolm Dougherty attending.
West Steps of Capitol.
2016 Workers Memorial Ceremony; Director Malcolm Dougherty attending.
West Steps of Capitol.

The tally of casualties running since 1921 includes eight from District 5 and spokesmen for the agency say the biggest hazard for workers is a motorist who does not exercise caution while driving through highway work zones.

“This annual event allows us to remember those who have lost their lives while serving the citizens of California and to reaffirm our commitment to our current employees that everyone remain safe while working on the highway. It is also important that motorists use safe practices to keep themselves and our highway workers safe,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins.

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