NYS Thruway Worker Mowing Grass On I-287 Has Died Following Crash

WHITE PLAINS, NY — This morning loved ones and colleagues are mourning the loss of Thruway Authority worker in a deadly accident on a Hudson Valley highway.

"It is with deep sadness that I announce that Jamil B. Wilson, a dedicated Thruway Maintenance Worker in our Cross Westchester Expressway Maintenance Section, tragically passed away yesterday," Thruway Authority Director Frank Hoare said in a statement. "Jamil was 47 years old and has worked for the Thruway Authority for nearly six years. Jamil and other employees were performing mowing operations on the Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287) in White Plains when he was struck by a vehicle. The other crew members were not injured."

On Monday, at 2:17 p.m., New York State Police in Tarrytown responded to a crash on Interstate 287 westbound, near mile marker 3.9, in White Plains.

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Investigators from the Troop K Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Troop K Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) say that a 2026 Nissan was traveling in the right lane near the Exit 6 off-ramp when it drove onto the shoulder. The Nissan reentered the travel lane and struck the rear of a 2025 Mazda.

After that initial impact, the Nissan left the roadway and onto the grassy shoulder, where it struck a New York State Thruway Authority employee, identified as Jamil B. Wilson, 47, of White Plains, who was on a mowing tractor at the time of the collision.

Wilson was rushed to nearby Westchester Medical Center, where he died.

The driver of the Nissan sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to Westchester Medical Center. The driver of the Mazda and the passenger were taken to Westchester Medical Center as well with non-life-threatening injuries, according to NYSP.

"Our maintenance employees are the heart and soul of this organization. Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road, and Jamil embodied that very dedication and commitment," Hoare said. "He is survived by his life-long partner, Taidra, and their two children. He was described by all who knew him as a devoted father who loved talking about his kids."

Hoare said the loss is being felt across the organization and across the Empire State.

"He was an all-around friendly guy who got along with everyone, loved being adventurous in life and was the first to show up for work everyday," The Thruway Executive Director said. "The entire Thruway family is heartbroken and mourns the loss of Jamil, and we will keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this tremendously difficult time."

State police said the investigation into the deadly crash remains ongoing.