Statement from Governor Gregoire on I-405 Worker Fatality

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today issued a statement expressing her condolences to the family of the worker killed when a driver swerved into a construction zone on I-405 early this morning.

�Mike and I send our thoughts and our prayers to the family of the Kollin Nielson, killed this morning while doing his job on I-405. We also wish a speedy recovery to Brandon Overland, who received injuries during this awful crash.

�This tragedy is a grim reminder that we all must remember to slow down and pay attention when driving through a work zone. We are in the midst of the summer construction season and I ask all Washingtonians to be aware of the many construction workers whose great public service close to road and freeway traffic places them at risk of unsafe drivers. The workers are not there to inconvenience you; they are there to improve the roads for everyone and to make your trip as safe and smooth as possible. I ask all drivers to join me in helping to keep them safe.�

###