Longtime Caltrans worker — a father of 8 — killed on the job in Fresno collision

A California Department of Transportation engineer was struck and killed while working late Sunday evening near Fresno, according to the department.

Ali Shabazz, 48, of Fresno, was on duty and heading to a job site when he was struck by another vehicle, according to an email Caltrans Director Tony Tavares sent to employees Monday afternoon. A Caltrans news release said only that the collision occurred at a rural intersection.

Shabazz had worked for the department since 2006 and was a civil engineer in construction, according to Tavares’ email. He left behind a wife and eight children.

Gov. Gavin Newsom offered his sympathies in a Monday statement. Shabazz was the 191st Caltrans worker to die on the job since 1921, according to the email from Newsom’s office.

A memorial has been set up for Shabazz through the California Transportation Foundation, and the department is lowering flags to half-staff in his honor, according to the email.

This story was originally published August 8, 2022 at 5:33 PM.