A tollway worker killed in a hit-and-run accident in Alsip Monday has been identified as a 48-year-old suburban man.
David M. Schwarz, of Monee, was fatally struck by a semi-trailer while collecting debris with another worker on the shoulder of the Tri-State Tollway Monday afternoon.
“The Illinois Tollway Board and all Tollway staff are extremely saddened by the loss of our co-worker and colleague, Illinois Tollway roadway maintenance worker David M. Schwarz," Bedalov said in a statement.
Schwarz, a father of two, served as an equipment operator laborer and began his career at the Tollway in March 1992, according to Illinois Tollway Executive Director Greg Bedalov.
"David worked on the front line of our 292-mile roadway system, performing duties that included removing snow, maintaining safe roadway conditions and, most vitally, assisting drivers who were stranded or needed help. He was carrying out his duties when he tragically lost his life," the statement read.
Schwarz was "outside his vehicle and walking back to his vehicle" when he was struck by a semi-truck pulling a semi-trailer, according to Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Don Orseno.
It's not clear how fast the semi was traveling, but it didn't stop. The tollway worker was pronounced dead at the scene.
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"There were witnesses as well as partner he was out there working with that called in that tollway worker was struck," Orseno said.
Signs along the tollway remind drivers to yield to workers.
"They're encouraged and obligated to slow dawn," Orseno said of drivers on the tollway. "Change lanes when applicable to avoid tragedies like this."
