Скачать или смотреть Reward for $110k leading to arrest after contruction worker struck and killed on Ohio highway

An additional $10,000 provided by PFM Fleet Services is being offered for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the driver who hit and killed 25-year-old Jordan Thomas on February 28.

Investigators confirmed they do not have a suspect who caused a deadly hit-and-run on I-70 as crews worked on the Downtown Ramp Up Project. According to ODOT, crews were working on bridge decks and ramps near downtown Columbus just after 2 a.m. when the crash happened.

Authorities say Thomas, an employee of Kokosing Construction, was struck when a maroon Toyota sedan entered the closed work area.

“We just had a car come into our zone and hit one of the workers,” an ODOT worker told dispatch. “He is not conscious. He’s on top of a car. Not breathing."

Witnesses told dispatchers Thomas was on the hood of the vehicle for several moments before the driver fled westbound on I-70.

“It’s a sedan, it’s maroon. He’s trying to drive away from the scene. It’s totaled,” a witness said.

Columbus Police say the vehicle and driver have not yet been identified as of Friday.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says the tragedy highlights the dangers construction workers face every day.

Matt Bruning with ODOT said work zones often offer little protection between workers and moving traffic.

“In a work zone you can have as little as a plastic barrel between you and moving traffic,” Bruning said. “Our folks are out there day in and day out right next to traffic that’s trying to get where they need to go.”

In the atrium of ODOT's main office along W. Broad St., a memorial honors ODOT workers killed on the job, a reminder of the dangers road workers face.

“The vast majority of these over the years were probably preventable incidents,” Bruning said. “Someone not paying attention, driving too fast, or impaired. These memorials are at some of our rest areas throughout the state as a reminder to the public that these men and women are out there working every day, and they want to go home safe at the end of the day, just like you do."

"Jordan Thomas was a beloved friend and valued team member of Kokosing Construction whose life was tragically cut short," said John Householder, President of Kokosing Construction. "Jordan’s loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him, and our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and coworkers. Nothing is more important than the safety and lives of our team members."

Friends say Thomas loved construction work and followed in his father’s footsteps in the industry.

"Jordan always had a smile on his face,” one friend told ABC 6. “I was lucky enough to work with him for four years and he always made everyone laugh.”

Thomas’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday in Akron.

Meanwhile, investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward. The reward for tips has now grown to $110,000, with $100,000 from Kokosing Construction and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers and an additional $10,000 from PFM Fleet Services.

“Do the right thing,” Bruning said. “That driver knows what they did. This is just a reminder that this is a dangerous job that these folks perform out there. Their only ask is to give them some space and attention so that they can go home safe at the end of the day."

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.
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