Tragic Accident Claims Life of Road Worker in Farmington Hills

News Summary

A road worker, Cedric Jones, was tragically killed in a construction zone accident on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills. The incident involved a collision with a vehicle, resulting in serious injuries to two other crew members. The Farmington Hills Police Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash, and the community is mourning the loss while calling for increased awareness regarding the safety of road workers.

Farmington Hills, MI

An Oakland County road worker was tragically killed in a construction zone accident on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills on July 23, 2025. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when a three-person road crew was conducting basin work outside their vehicle in the northbound lanes.

According to police reports, a silver Ford Escape traveling southbound crossed a median and collided with the crew. The deceased worker has been identified as Cedric Jones, a 43-year-old father of six. He died at the scene while the other two crew members sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

The driver of the Ford Escape was also hospitalized, but their condition has not been disclosed. Following the crash, Orchard Lake Road was closed between 10 Mile and 11 Mile roads for the investigation.

Investigation Underway

The Farmington Hills Police Department has launched an investigation into the crash. Police Chief John Piggott expressed condolences to Jones’s family and those injured, emphasizing the tragic consequences of the incident. The Traffic Safety Section is currently examining the factors that contributed to the crash and has urged drivers to exercise caution when traveling near construction zones.

Support for Affected Families

The Road Commission for Oakland County is focusing on providing support for the families of the affected workers. Managing Director Dennis Kolar underscored the risks that road workers encounter daily, even when safety measures such as signage and emergency lights are in place. Kolar pointed out that Michigan law imposes strict penalties for causing injury or death in a work zone, which may include jail time and fines.

Context of the Incident

This accident is the latest in a troubling trend, as it follows another fatal work zone incident on June 30, where a road worker was killed by an excavator bucket in Brighton Township. The family members of Cedric Jones have spoken about their grief and have called for heightened awareness and caution toward construction workers.

Community Response

The broader community has also expressed shock and sadness over the event, particularly highlighting the dedication of road workers who maintain necessary infrastructure. Community members are urged to remain vigilant while driving in construction areas, as these zones often pose unique hazards.

Call for Information

Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department at 248-871-2610. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected as the Traffic Safety Section continues to gather evidence.

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Additional Resources

• CBS News
• Wikipedia: Construction Zone
• ClickOnDetroit
• Google Search: Safety in Construction Zones
• Free Press
• Google Scholar: Construction Worker Safety
• Fox 2 Detroit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Safety