California Department of Transportation

November 15, 2010
District 3 - Marysville http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3
Jody Jones, District Director
Rochelle Jenkins Rochelle_Jenkins@dot.ca.gov
(530) 634-7640

 Caltrans Employee Killed in the Line of Duty

Butte County – A Caltrans maintenance employee was killed last night on Highway 99 north of Chico.

At 11:45 p.m. on Sunday evening, Caltrans Maintenance Leadworker Gary W. Smith, 57, was struck by a vehicle while assisting with a road closure that was set up due to an earlier fatal collision.

Smith started his career with Caltrans in 1978, and spent the vast majority of his career at the Chico Maintenance Station. Smith was planning to retire at the end of December. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sue, and his 25-year-old son, Gary.

“Caltrans is mourning this tremendous loss that the Smith family and their friends have suffered,” said Caltrans Director Cindy McKim. "Working on the California highway system should not be a life or death situation. This tragic incident is a reminder that Caltrans workers like Gary put their lives on the line every day, and we will be forever grateful for their service and dedication.”

Caltrans reminds motorists to drive with caution and always to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

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