A county traffic employee injured in an accident on Columbia Pike earlier this month has died.
Matthew Pickens was seriously injured after a moving van struck his county work truck at the intersection of Columbia Pike and South Wakefield Street on April 5. Pickens, who was working on a traffic light in the truck’s hydraulic basket, fell hard to the street below.
At the time, it was thought that Pickens’ injuries were not life-threatening.
Pickens passed away on Friday, April 16. He was honored for his service today at a standing room only board meeting, attended by county government workers and members of Pickens’ family.
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of Matthew. He was a dedicated public servant, valued colleague and a dear friend to many,” Acting County Manager Barbara Donnellan said. “We need to remember that men and women, like Matthew, are behind the scenes working every day under hazardous conditions, to provide our community with the services it needs to run smoothly.”
Pickens was a military veteran who served 15 years in the U.S. Army.
A police investigation into the accident is still ongoing, the county said in a statement.
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That’s really terrible. Who was the moving truck company? I hope there have been charges.
RIP Matthew, and deep condolences to his friends and family.