MDOT Memorial Ceremony Honors Fallen Roadside Workers in Jackson

MDOT honors fallen workers at memorial ceremony in Jackson

Updated Tuesday, April 21, 2026 5:12 PM

MDOT hosted its annual memorial ceremony today to honor employees who lost their lives in service to the citizens of Mississippi.

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JACKSON, MISS.--- The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) hosted its annual memorial ceremony today to honor employees who lost their lives in service to the citizens of Mississippi.

The Fallen Workers Memorial Ceremony, which took place at the MDOT headquarters in Jackson this afternoon, brought together families of fallen roadside workers to remember and pay tribute to their loved ones who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. MDOT officials hope the ceremony serves as a reminder that it is up to drivers to eliminate work zone fatalities.

“We come together with heavy hearts to recognize losses that cannot be measured in miles paved or projects completed. Today, we will sadly add a new name to the list behind me that we wish did not exist, Mr. Johnny C. Adams,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “As we honor these lives today, let’s renew our commitment to each other that we will do everything in our power to prevent another name from being added to this list. We owe that to those we’ve lost, to the families and to every person that puts on a hard hat and vest and steps up in service on behalf of the family that we call MDOT.”

District 1 Engineer Matt Dunn spoke on the fond memories of Johnny Adams, who tragically passed away last week in North Mississippi due to complications from a work zone accident. Mr. Adams’ family members were in attendance, including his wife, son, brother, and fellow Itawamba County maintenance crew, who laid the wreath at the ceremony.

“Back in February of 2015 we hired Johnny as a maintenance technician, and over the next 11 years, he became someone we relied on and considered family. His loss is a painful reminder of the dangers our employees face every single day. Not just on the highway, but also with the heavy equipment we work around in all sorts of conditions,” said Dunn. “Losing Johnny reminds us of the risks we take to keep Mississippi moving. We knew the man behind the yellow vest. They man who cared about his community, his church, his friends and coworkers, who saw the kindness he carried, the relationships he built, the way he was always willing to help, and how he wasn’t afraid to speak up if he had an idea for something we could do better.”

Speaker of the House Jason White spoke to attendees at the ceremony. “It is certainly sobering as we sit here today and hear the reading of the now 50 Mississippians who lost their lives in service to this agency and to our state. We honor their commitments to their families, their work ethic, their bravery, and ultimately, their sacrifice. That sacrifice extends to you loved ones and family members as well,” said Speaker White. “Those of you that are here today that have lost a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a child, on behalf of the entire state of Mississippi, let me say thank you for your loved one’s life, their life’s work, and their sacrifice. Let this day and this memorial serve as a constant reminder of the lives given in service to our state’s transportation system. Our roads and bridges are better and safer thanks to their life’s work.”

Chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission Willie Simmons and Northern Transportation Commissioner John Caldwell spoke at the ceremony. Each of the 50 names of fallen MDOT workers were read aloud, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working along state highways daily.

“Today we pause to give respect and honor to our colleagues that were taken away from us far too early. Their professional commitment to serving the public as an employee of MDOT was admirable and gratifying,” said Commissioner Simmons. “It is challenging to find words to express our feelings to their families for the loss of a loved one. Today, on behalf of MDOT and the Mississippi Transportation Commission, we say thank you to the family members here today. Thank you for allowing your loved one to cross our path as an employee, public servant, and a friend.”

To call attention to the life-and-death issues facing workers and the public in work zones, Gov. Tate Reeves has proclaimed April 20-24 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Mississippi. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 899 work zone fatalities nationally in 2023, an increase from 891 fatalities in 2022. In 2023, there were 101,000 estimated work zone crashes, resulting in over 39,000 injuries nationally.

“To the families here today, please know this: your loved one’s work mattered. What they did each day kept Mississippi moving. They made our roads safer. They served people they would never meet. And they did it with dedication and pride,” said Director White. “At a time when all words seem inadequate, I’ll just remind you that you’re part of a family here at MDOT, and we stand with you.”

When you see orange, slow down, be patient and prepare for changing conditions. For more information on Work Zone Awareness Week in Mississippi, including safe driving tips for work zone travel, click here.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com .

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