(November 14, 2013) – A 25-year veteran Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) employee, Eddie Gilyard, age 50, was killed while working along the Baltimore Beltway near Parkville, Maryland. The same incident injured 38-year old Nathan Brown, who has worked for SHA two and half years. Both men were working as part of SHA’s Golden Ring Shop Maintenance Crew and, while accessing equipment from the rear of their work truck parked on the shoulder, they were struck by a vehicle that left the travel lanes and entered the right shoulder along the outer loop of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) prior to Harford Road. The Maryland State Police is investigating the crash.

“The SHA family is stunned and saddened by this tragic incident, and we extend our heartfelt condolences and support to the Gilyard family as well as our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Brown and his family,” said State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Every day, thousands of hard working and dedicated women and men put their lives on the line in roadway work zones all across the state. This is a heartbreaking reminder of the hazards faced by our dedicated workers. While this crash is under investigation, it is imperative that we remind drivers to slow down and stay alert when approaching any area where people are working.”

Mr. Gilyard joined SHA in 1988 as a Highway Maintenance Worker. He was promoted through the ranks and was currently serving as a Facility Maintenance Technician III. He was a respected member of the Golden Ring Shop, and grief counseling has been made available to his colleagues.

Mr. Brown was transported to the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center. Joining SHA in 2011, Mr. Brown quickly elevated within the organization and is serving as a Facility Maintenance Technician III at the Golden Ring Maintenance facility as well.

Every SHA shop, in addition to the field forces of CHART, Office of Traffic and Safety, and Office of Maintenance, is standing down from non-emergency work assignments to review safety procedures tomorrow morning. These meetings shall begin with a formal moment of silence to honor the life of Eddie Gilyard.
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