MdTA Employee Mowing Grass Killed In I-95 Collision
HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. (WJZ) -- A Maryland Transportation Authority worker is hit and killed on the side of I-95. He was on a work crew in Havre de Grace when a van went out of control and off the road.
Rick Ritter spoke to the employee's family about the crash that killed him.
Michael Pearce, 59, was hit and killed while working on the side of the road. Pearce knew his job was dangerous. His family and friends tell WJZ he had a heart of gold.
From high above, Sky Eye Chopper 13 captures the devastating scene in Harford County. On the ground, a mother at a loss for words.
"I just don't know too much more to say," said Doroty Pearce, victim's mother. "There was just a goodness in him."
Her heart -- shattered.
Dorothy Pearce's son leaves for work, but never makes it back home.
"He's just very loving. He's just a very loving person. I think just about everybody would say that," she said.
Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, a work crew with the MDTA is in the middle of landscaping in Havre de Grace along I-95. Part of that crew -- 59-year-old Michael Pearce of Abingdon.
"They had the reflective vests on, they had the flashing lights," said Sgt. Marc Black, Maryland State Police. "So they were doing everything they could to make that area safe."
Troopers say a van was traveling southbound on I-95 when it veered off the road, slamming into a dump truck and then hitting Pearce.
Pearce was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family and friends remember a gentle, loving man, who put others before himself.
"I felt like he was my big brother. I mean, a heart of gold. Everybody adored Mike," said Force.
Even though the "move over" law doesn't specifically mention work crews, state police say drivers should still play it safe.
"That's one reason why we're encouraging everyone to utilize move over law, even if it's not a first responder," said Black.
So another family isn't left wondering why.
"Somehow my face says he's alright, but I'm not alright," Pearce's mother said.
The driver of the Ford van has been identified as 54-year-old Corey Ness of Pennsylvania. Police aren't saying if alcohol or speed were factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether charges should be filed.
The driver of the van was transported to a local hospital. No word on the extent of his injuries.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact police at 410-537-1150.
