Caltrans worker hit, killed by truck on Highway 4 in Martinez

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. - A Caltrans worker died Thursday after being hit by a truck on Highway 4 in Contra Costa County.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the news, saying flags at the Capitol will be at half-staff in honor of the worker, identified as 39-year-old Mahdi Khorram.

"Mahdi was a dedicated public servant committed to making our roads safer for all Californians," Newsom said in a statement. "We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues mourning this terrible tragedy."

Khorram was a construction inspector and transportation engineer with Caltrans, based at the agency's Concord office.  

The incident occurred at 1:30 a.m. Thursday on Highway 4 near Cummings Skyway in Martinez, according to California's Department of Industrial Relations.

The 39-year-old was working in a construction zone when he was hit by an asphalt truck, transportation officials said.

Khorram is survived by his wife and 3-year-old child. 

He had worked for Caltrans since 2023, officials said.

"Mahdi was more than a colleague — he was a valued member of our Caltrans family," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy." His tragic death is a devastating loss to his family, friends and for all of his colleagues. I extend my heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy to his loved ones and all who knew and worked with him."