By Rich Bockmann
Errol Wilson, a Queens resident and 18-year veteran of the city Department of Transportation, was killed in an accident while conducting late-night repair work Tuesday on the Cross Island Parkway near Northern Boulevard in Bayside, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday.
The mayor and DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan issued a joint press release Tuesday morning, announcing the death of the 59-year old highway repairer and commending him for his service and dedication. Wilson is survived by his wife Valerie White, son Errol Jr. and daughter Tanya, the statement said.
“The accident is a tragic reminder that so many dedicated, unsung city workers take on dangerous assignments each and every day to ensure … our city can run. As I said to Valerie this morning, the thoughts and prayers of a grateful city are with her and all of Errol’s family and friends,” the mayor wrote.
According to the mayor’s statement, the accident involved a DOT vehicle and was still under investigation by the NYPD.
“The entire department is devastated by Errol’s death,” Sadik-Khan said. “He was a respected veteran of the Roadway Repair and Maintenance Division, one of our best workers and a member of the DOT family. The news that we’ve lost Errol breaks our hearts. Valerie and Errol Jr. told me how much their father loved his job. He brought his best to work on New York’s streets and handled some of the most difficult assignments.”
She added, “Errol will be sorely missed, and our hearts go out to all who were close to him.”
The NYPD said an unidentified man fitting the description of Wilson was struck at 12:41 a.m. Tuesday morning by a 2000 MAC truck. The man was taken to North Shore University medical center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, said the police. The NYPD suspected no criminality in the incident.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
