Every worker deserves to come home after their shift.

But on Friday, September 25, 2026, Elvin Hernandez, a Department of Transportation Maintainer 3 Sweeper Operator, was working along I-95, cleaning debris from the roadway, when he was struck and killed by a driver reportedly speeding and driving erratically while under the influence of drugs.

Elvin was doing his job helping keep Connecticut's roads safe for the hundreds of thousands of people who travel them every day. Elvin deserved to go home that Friday night.

Instead, his family, friends, coworkers and union brothers and sisters are mourning a life taken far too soon.

Elvin’s obituary was heartfelt and a beautiful memory of who Elvin was:

“Elvin worked as a DOT maintenance 3 sweeper operator for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, a profession well suited to a man who spent so much of his life on the move and among people. Those closest to Elvin describe him as easygoing, loving, friendly, generous, and remarkably selfless. He had a way of helping people without waiting to be asked. If someone crossed his path and needed a hand, Elvin was often willing to give it. There was a natural generosity about him—not something performed for recognition, but simply part of the way he lived. He loved people. He loved conversation. He loved to laugh. He was often described as the life of the party, frequently smiling and laughing and bringing an energy to gatherings that people naturally gravitated toward. He also had his own signature catwalk, a little personality trait that brought smiles and laughter to those around him. It was just one of the many things that made Elvin uniquely himself and so unforgettable. His friendliness allowed him to connect with people from many different walks of life, while his respect for others remained one of the qualities his family remembers most. will be remembered for much more than the circumstances of his death.”

That is the Elvin his family and friends will remember, a husband, a friend, a coworker and a good man whose life meant so much to so many people.

On Friday, October 2, loved ones will gather in Bridgeport to lay Elvin to rest. Our hearts are with his longtime partner, his family and every DOT coworker who must now return to work knowing that one of their own will not be coming back.

This tragedy was preventable. Every day, DOT workers behind the orange line put themselves in harm's way to keep the rest of us safe. Yet far too often, drivers speed through work zones, glance down at their phones or fail to move over when approaching workers and emergency vehicles.

Behind every orange cone and flashing light is a person with a family, friends and a life waiting for them when their shift ends. Elvin's death is a heartbreaking reminder of what is at stake.

We are asking every CSEA member, retiree and family member to make a simple commitment whenever they get behind the wheel.

Slow down. Move over. Put down your phone.

Pay attention when approaching work zones. Give roadside workers room whenever it is safe to do so. Never drive impaired or distracted. Remember that the few seconds you might save by speeding are never worth someone's life.

We cannot bring Elvin back to his family. But we can honor his memory by doing our part to protect the workers who continue to serve our communities every day. Take the pledge today, and help make sure every worker gets home safely.