Ten names added to National Work Zone Memorial for 2022

The names of 10 men who were killed while working in a roadway work zone have been added to the National Work Zone Memorial. Their deaths took place as long ago as March of 1966 and as recently as November 2021. Each man had reported for another day of work when tragedy struck, leaving behind wives, sons, daughters and parents to grieve. The addition of these 10 men for 2022 brings the total number of lives honored on the National Work Zone Memorial to 1,602.

The names of 10 men who were killed while working in a roadway work zone have been added to the National Work Zone Memorial.

Their deaths took place as long ago as March of 1966 and as recently as November 2021. Each man had reported for another day of work when tragedy struck, leaving behind wives, sons, daughters and parents to grieve. Below are their names, the dates they died and the locations where they were working.

• Brandon Franklin Barber, Aug. 30, 2021, Jemison, Ala.
• Joshua Pittenturf Bishop, May 14, 2020, York, Pa.
• Vern Hedquist, Oct. 2, 2018, Rogers, Minn.
• Alexander Michael King, June 7, 2021, Hamilton, Ohio
• Alfred W. McLaughlin Sr., March 11, 1966, Virginia Beach, Va.
• James David Miracle, Sept. 8, 2021, Louisville, Ky.
• Frederick Ned O’Bannon Jr., Nov. 19, 2021, Louisville, Ky.
• Davyon Desmon-Aereailes Rose, Nov. 7, 2020, Romulus, Mich.
• Nicholas Andres Sada, Nov. 7, 2020, Romulus, Mich.
• Guillermo Solis Jr., Oct. 16, 2015, Ocoee, Fla.

The addition of these 10 men for 2022 brings the total number of lives honored on the National Work Zone Memorial to 1,602. Names are added once a year.

“The National Work Zone Memorial is a somber reminder of the dangers associated with work zones,” said ATSS Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “Our goal is to see the day when we won’t have more names to add. In the meantime, the Memorial honors the lives lost and provides a visual reminder of the importance of paying attention when approaching a work zone.”

The National Work Zone Memorial – Respect and Remembrance: Reflections of Life on the Road” was unveiled 20 years ago and is a living tribute to the men, women and children killed as a result of a work zone incident. The Memorial travels to communities across the country to raise awareness of the need to respect and stay safe in America’s roadway work zones.

The Memorial exists in two formats—a physical Memorial that is 20 feet wide and 7 feet tall and a virtual Memorial that can be viewed via computer. Both are available for display at events that seek to heighten attention to work zone safety.

The traveling Memorial is available for a fee that covers the expenses of shipping and maintenance. An online application is available to request it for an event. For 2022, ATSSA, in partnership with The Foundation, agreed to cover the hosting fee for up to five public agencies to host the traveling Memorial. The agencies must be holding a media event this calendar year and not have previously hosted the Memorial.

The 30-minute virtual Memorial is a powerful yet cost-effective option for groups with limited space and resources. The virtual Memorial can be used at both in-person and virtual meetings such as for ATSSA Chapters, civic groups and others wanting to raise awareness. It can be shown before a meeting, during breaks and even as part of a meeting to advance roadway safety. Complete the Virtual Memorial Host Application to utilize it at an upcoming meeting.

Names are added to the Memorial each year as a result of the efforts of family, friends and former co-workers who submit them to The Foundation. The Memorial includes the names of roadway workers as well as motorists, pedestrians, law enforcement officers, public safety officials i.e., firefighters and paramedics and children. Details are available outlining the process as well as a form for submitting a name.