Caltrans held its annual workers’ memorial service in Fresno on Wednesday to honor highway workers and other employees who lost their lives on the job.
Since 1921, 191 Caltrans workers have died on the job.
(GV Wire/Jahz Tello)
In August 2022, in Caltrans District 6, construction engineer Ali Shabaz was killed in a traffic accident on his way to the site.
An alumnus of Fresno State University, Shabazz was a prominent member of the Fresno community and especially proud of his extended family.
“He was a community leader, a great husband, a great son and a great father,” his wife, Nia Shabazz, said through tears. “There is so much he has done for the community. … I see love here[today]and I know he left a legacy.”
Caltrans says disabled, reckless and distracted drivers cause the majority of work zone deaths. Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol urge drivers to exercise caution in construction and maintenance areas.
Nia Shabazz (right) and other family members attend the Caltrans Workers Memorial in Fresno on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. (GV Wire/Jahz Tello)
California Transportation Commissioner Leanne Eager. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the President of Fresno speaks among his 191 cones named after his Caltrans workers who have died in the line of duty since 1921. (GV Wire/Jahz Tello)
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