In a tragic accident on Interstate 83 in Fairview Township, Pennsylvania, three construction workers lost their lives after being struck by a box truck. Police reported that the driver of the truck, Reed Davenport, 24, from Roxbury, Massachusetts fell asleep at the wheel just before the collision on April 17, 2024. Davenport was also traveling at an unsafe speed for an active work zone.
The incident occurred at 3:25 a.m. as the crew was performing routine maintenance, sealing cracks on the highway. The workers, employed by CriLon Corp., were in a marked construction zone with lane closures when the crash happened. The driver of the truck sideswiped a stationary construction vehicle before hitting the workers. The truck then went up an embankment, sideswiped a car, and was stopped by a concrete barrier between the north and south lanes of the highway.
The York County Coroner’s Office has identified the three construction workers killed in the I-83 crash as Jesse McKenzie, 24, and Robert Hampe, 42, both from Somerset, and Philson Hinebaugh III, 24, from Johnstown. The coroner determined their deaths were accidental, caused by multiple blunt-force traumas.
A spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Dave Thompson, expressed the department’s sorrow and emphasized the importance of driver vigilance in construction zones. “Right now, we’re just gathering information. We’re very shaken by this event,” Thompson said.
The accident occurred during National Work Zone Awareness Week, highlighting the critical need for safety in such areas. This week is dedicated to reminding drivers to be extra cautious when driving through work zones to prevent such tragedies.
Jesse McKenzie’s family has been particularly vocal about their loss. His sister Kaley launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support his family during this difficult period. The campaign has highlighted the personal toll of the accident, portraying McKenzie as a devoted father of two and partner whom his loved ones will deeply miss. He was engaged to be married. The fundraising effort has raised over $9,000.
Reed Davenport has not yet been charged, but the investigation is ongoing.