New York State Thruway maintenance worker Jamil Wilson of White Plains was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 287 in White Plains, the governor's office and New York State Thruway officials confirmed.
Wilson, 47, was performing maintenance near Exit 6 on the Cross Westchester Expressway on Oct. 19 when the crash occurred, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
"This is a tragic reminder that the safety of the employees who maintain our roads is the responsibility of every member of the driving public," Hochul said. "No employee should come to work and not return home safely."
Hochul also said of Wilson's family, including his partner and two children, and his Thruway family: "I extend my deepest condolences to Jamil's family and friends,
and to the men and women of the Thruway Authority's workforce as they grieve during this difficult time."
Crew was working along 287 at time of crash
New York State Thruway Executive Director Frank Hoare said Wilson was a Thruway maintenance worker in the Cross Westchester Expressway Maintenance Section.
The 47-year-old had worked for the Thruway Authority for nearly six years.
Wilson was with other crew members mowing along the highway when the crash occurred. Other crew members were not injured, Hoare said.
"Our maintenance employees are the heart and soul of this organization," Hoare said in an Oct. 20 statement. "Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road, and Jamil embodied that very dedication and commitment."
A devoted family man
Wilson is survived by his life-long partner, Taidra, and their two children.
"He was described by all who knew him as a devoted father who loved talking about his kids," Hoare said. "He was an all-around friendly guy who got along with everyone, loved being adventurous in life and was the first to show up for work everyday."
New York State Police continue to investigate the Oct. 19 incident.
A GoFundMe has been set up in Jamil Wilson's memory.
Kristine McMath, who coordinated the GoFundMe called Wilson "a hardworking, friendly, and devoted family man. He loved his job and took great pride in knowing that his hard work allowed him to provide for the people he loved most his family."
Wilson had an outgoing personality, McMath said, and was a "proud and loving father to his two beautiful children, Jeremiah, 13, and Jaila, 12, who loved and adored him" and partner Taidra Brabham.
Hoare said the loss had hit the Thruway Authority hard. "The entire Thruway family is heartbroken and mourns the loss of Jamil, and we will keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this tremendously difficult time."
A dangerous job
Road maintenance work is dangerous. New York has had its share of tragedies among the road crews that serve local and state byways.
In May 2024, the driver of a tractor-trailer collided with the workers in a designated work zone on Interstate 90 near Henrietta, killing one worker and injuring another.
In November 2024, Stephen C. Ebling, a maintenance supervisor for the New York State Thruway Authority, died after he was struck on Interstate 90 by a westbound vehicle near Exit 58 in Hanover.
In May 2025, New York State Department of Transportation Maintenance Supervisor Robert Borntwas struck by a vehicle in a work zone on State Route 7 in Pittstown. Bornt, who was Hoosick Falls Volunteer Fire Department chief, died the next day, He was 54.
Local roads pose risks for workers too. In September 2022, Yorktown town highway worker Jake Acara was hit by a car and killed while working as a flagger at a drainage project on London Road. To honor him, a stretch of Route 118/Saw Mill River Road between Underhill Road and Old Country Way became the "Jake Arcara Worker's Memorial Highway."
NYSDOT has recorded 59 worker deaths in the line of duty since the 1930s.
New York Move Over Law requires drivers to be alert, slow down and safely move over for all stopped vehicles on the side of the road.
Nancy Cutler writes about People & Policy for lohud.com and the USA Today Network New York. Reach her at ncutler@lohud.com; follow her on Twitter, Threads and Instagram at @nancyrockland.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: White Plains man, a Thruway worker, killed in White Plains I-287 crash
