Two MDOT Workers Killed While Patching Pot Holes

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 05/26/2026) Two Michigan Department of Transportation workers were killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while patching potholes on U.S. 127, an Ingham County Sheriff’s spokesperson said.

Sgt. Paul Narlock said a 49-year-old male and a 51-year-old male, both from Mason, were repairing potholes around 1:15 p.m. just south of Holt Road in Alaiedon Township when a northbound vehicle lost control and struck both men.

Narlock said the driver’s vehicle rolled and that speed may have been a factor.

The driver, identified as a 24-year-old DeWitt man, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

Narlock said the identities of the victims and driver were not being released pending notification of family. He said the investigation is ongoing by the Ingham Regional Crash Investigation Team.

The Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA) said in a statement it is “heartbroken to learn” the two MDOT workers died in the line of duty.

“Today, we are grieving with the family, friends and coworkers of the MDOT workers who lost their lives while serving the people of Michigan,” said President Jacob VanSickle. “We are holding every person impacted by this tragedy close in our hearts.”

“MDOT workers show up every day to keep our roads safe and our state moving. They do hard, dangerous work, often just feet away from traffic moving at highway speeds. No one should go to work and not come home,” he said.

VanSickle said that his organization has raised “serious concerns” for years about highway work zone safety, signage, procedures and protections for MDOT workers.

However, “the state has heard those concerns, and too often, it has refused to act with the urgency these workers deserve,” he said.

MSEA called on MDOT to review what happened and strengthen work zone signage and safety procedures. The group also called for MDOT to sit down with frontline workers and their representatives “to finally address the safety concerns they have raised for years.”

Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, echoed it also will continue to advocate for “stronger work zone safety measures” as well as increased enforcement and resources needed to protect workers.

“Our hearts go out to their families, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time,” he said.

MDOT referred inquiries to the Michigan State Police, who noted the Ingham County Sheriff's office is investigating.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the lead investigator, Deputy Phil Martin, at 517-676-8444, extension 1957.