Worker Killed By Tow Truck On 5 Freeway While Picking Up Trash

SAN CLEMENTE, CA —An investigation was continuing Tuesday into a crash on the San Diego (5) Freeway in San Clemente that killed a Caltrans worker.

Alexander Rodish, 55, was killed in the crash that occurred around 9:35 a.m. Monday on the northbound side of the freeway just north of Avenue Palizado, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officials said Rodish and another worker had pulled over to the right shoulder of the freeway to pick up some debris when a freeway service patrol tow truck driver veered off the road onto the shoulder and slammed into the Caltrans vehicle and ran over Rodish.

It was unknown why the tow truck driver veered off the road, but he was taken to Mission Hospital following the crash for minor injuries, according to the CHP.

The force of the collision launched the Caltrans vehicle into the air and over a curb where it struck a Nissan Rogue driving up the onramp, CHP officials said. The Nissan driver sustained minor injuries as did the other Caltrans worker.

"Caltrans mourns the loss of one of our own today. Alexander was a dedicated maintenance employee who was working to make our roads safer," Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said in a statement. "Our thoughts and support go out to his family, friends and colleagues."

According to Caltrans, Rodish began working for Caltrans in 2021 and was working as an equipment operator at a San Clemente maintenance yard.

He is survived by two adult children, a sister and brother, according to Caltrans.

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, "Jennifer and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death (Monday) of Caltrans worker Alexander Rodish. A Caltrans employee since 2021, Alexander was a dedicated public servant committed to making our roads safer for all Californians. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all mourning this terrible tragedy."