PORT ANGELES, Wash. – A Washington State Department of Transportation worker was killed Thursday by a falling tree limb while trying to clear a slide.
WSDOT says Neal Richards, 42, was working on US 101 near Indian Hill west of Port Angeles.
"I'm deeply saddened at the loss of a part of our WSDOT family. Neal's death is a terrible tragedy, which affects us all," said Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond in a written statement.
Gov. Chris Gregoire also expressed her sadness at Richards' death.
"This tragic event is a reminder of the danger many of our state workers are exposed to while doing their jobs and serving the people of our state. My heart goes out to his family, co-workers at DOT and friends during this most difficult time," said Gregoire.
Richards has worked at WSDOT since 1998, most recently as a maintenance lead tech in Port Angeles.
"This kind of news just rips a big hole in your heart," said Kevin Dayton, Olympic Region Administrator.
Richards leaves a wife and two children, ages 10 and 12.
