NY State Thruway Authority Worker Killed In Tragic Westchester Worksite Accident
By JOHN JORDAN
WHITE PLAINS, NY—The dangers of construction and highway maintenance work were made tragically clear recently when a New York State Thruway Authority worker was fatally injured while performing mowing operations on the Cross Westchester Expressway on Oct. 19.
New York State Thruway Authority employee Jamil Wilson, 47, of White Plains, a member of the Cross Westchester Expressway Maintenance Section, died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a motor vehicle on the CWE in the City of White Plains, near mile marker 3.9.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Troop K Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Troop K Collision Reconstruction Unit determined that a 2026 Nissan was traveling in the right lane near the Exit 6 off-ramp when it moved onto the shoulder. The Nissan subsequently reentered the travel lane and struck the rear of a 2025 Mazda. Following the initial impact, the Nissan traveled off the roadway and onto the grassy shoulder, where it struck Mr. Wilson, who was operating a mowing tractor at the time of the collision. He was transported to Westchester Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Other Thruway crew members working with Mr. Wilson were not injured in the incident.
The operator of the Nissan sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Westchester Medical Center. The operator of the Mazda and the passenger were also transported to Westchester Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the New York State Police, which noted that the investigation into the incident was ongoing at press time.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul directed that all flags on state buildings be flown at half-staff on Oct. 29. She also had the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge illuminated orange on the evening of Friday, Oct. 30, in honor of Mr. Wilson.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jamil’s family and friends as they mourn the tragic and senseless loss of a devoted partner, parent and friend,” Gov. Hochul said. “The men and women who keep our roads safe deserve the respect of our full attention when we are behind the wheel. Let Jamil’s heartbreaking loss serve as a reminder that we must all do our part in keeping each other safe on the road by focusing solely on driving, slowing down in work zones and moving over when there’s a stopped vehicle on the side of the highway.”
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq., also released a statement in response to the tragic worksite incident.
“Our maintenance employees are the heart and soul of this organization. Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road, and Jamil embodied that very dedication and commitment. He is survived by his life-long partner, Taidra, and their two children. He was described by all who knew him as a devoted father who loved talking about his kids. He was an all-around friendly guy who got along with everyone, loved being adventurous in life and was the first to show up for work every day.”
He continued, “The entire Thruway family is heartbroken and mourns the loss of Jamil, and we will keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this tremendously difficult time.”
According to his obituary, Mr. Wilson was a dedicated highway maintenance worker for the New York State Thruway Authority for six years. He earned certifications as a welder and carpenter and also obtained his commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Funeral services were held on Oct. 30 at Bethel Baptist Church in White Plains. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Whisby; his devoted fiancée, Taidra Brabham; his children, Jeremiah and Jaila; and his siblings, Sherif Wilson, Ashley Whisby and Ernest (Boo) Jenkins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald (Wade) Williams.
Published: November 12, 2026.