Calvin L. Holley, of Chicago, Illinois tollway worker killed filling potholes on I-294 in Des Plaines, with 2 others hurt. No charges expected against driver in ‘tragic accident’.
An Illinois Tollway maintenance worker was killed and two others were injured when they were struck by a driver while filling potholes on I-294 in Des Plaines early Saturday, according to Illinois State Police.
The three were making the repairs in the southbound lanes of the tollway near milepost 41.5 in Des Plaines around 4:30 a.m. when the driver hit them, state police said in a statement the Chicago Sun Times reported.
They were taken to a nearby hospital where one of them died. The fatality was identified as Calvin L. Holley, 52, from the Dunning neighborhood of Chicago, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. His death was ruled an accident, the medical examiner found. The conditions of the other two workers was not released.
Illinois Tollway issues warning to drivers
No charges have been filed against the driver who had remained at the scene at the time of the incident CBS Chicago reported.
Holley had been on the job for two years, according to a statement from Illinois Tollway Director Cassaundra Rouse. She said he was a respected and valued member of the team.
Stated Rouse in a release; ‘Illinois Tollway reminds everyone to slow down and change lanes safely when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the road.’
Social media responds to road worker death
News of the maintenance worker’s death led to a wide expression of grief on social media.
Posted one user, ‘I’m at lost for words Calvin we just spoke last week while I was on vacation I still can’t believe this happened to you my brother I will forever think of you and everything you helped or did for me.’
Wrote another, ‘Calvin was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person anyone could come across. He was loved by all . He truly is going to be missed by all. May he Rest in peace.’
While others reflected, ‘This is horrifying, time for new ways to slow traffic down near highway workers.’
‘Calvin went to work to make the road safer for everyone else and never made it home. Please remember that work zones are workplaces. Slow down. Move over. Put the phone down.’
