News Summary
A tragic accident in a Farmington Hills construction zone resulted in the death of road worker Cedric Jones and left two others injured. The incident occurred when a vehicle struck the crew working on Orchard Lake Road. Local authorities are investigating the crash and emphasizing the need for heightened safety in construction zones. The community is mourning the loss and calling for increased driver awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Farmington Hills – A tragic accident in a construction zone claimed the life of an Oakland County road worker and left two others injured on July 23, 2025. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Orchard Lake Road when a vehicle struck a three-person road crew engaged in basin work.
According to police reports, the road crew was outside their vehicle working in the northbound lanes when a silver Ford Escape traveling southbound crossed the median and collided with them. The deceased worker has been identified as Cedric Jones, a 43-year-old father of six, whose family confirmed the news through their church pastor. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
In the collision, the two other crew members sustained life-threatening injuries and were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Ford Escape, who also sustained injuries, was hospitalized, though their current condition remains undisclosed. Following the accident, authorities closed Orchard Lake Road between 10 Mile and 11 Mile roads for the investigation.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott expressed condolences to Jones’s family and the other injured crew members. He acknowledged the tragic nature of this incident and stated that the Traffic Safety Section is investigating the factors that led to the crash. In light of the accident, Chief Piggott urged drivers to exercise caution in and around construction zones.
The Road Commission for Oakland County is prioritizing support for the affected workers’ families while emphasizing their ongoing commitment to work zone safety. Dennis Kolar, managing director of the Road Commission, articulated the daily risks faced by road workers, even with established safety measures in place. He reinforced the importance of drivers remaining vigilant around construction sites to prevent similar tragedies.
Legal Implications
Michigan law imposes strict penalties for causing injury or death in work zones, which can include jail time and substantial fines. Kolar confirmed that the road crew had adhered to safety protocols at the time of the incident, utilizing proper signage and emergency lights to ensure their visibility and protect their safety.
Previous Incidents
This recent accident follows another fatal work zone incident that occurred on June 30, which involved a road worker being killed by an excavator bucket in Brighton Township. These incidents underline the ongoing risks associated with road work and the pressing need for increased safety measures for workers in these hazardous environments.
Community Response
Family members of Cedric Jones have shared their profound grief in the wake of his death and called for heightened awareness and carefulness from drivers around construction zones. The call to action reflects a community’s desire to improve safety for all road workers and prevent further loss of life.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to reach out to the Farmington Hills Police Department at 248-871-2610. With families affected and a community in mourning, there is an urgent need for conversations about construction zone safety and driver responsibilities.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
