Highway worker killed by car while assisting with crash on Beltway

A highway worker died while assisting with a crash on the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County on Saturday, according to Maryland State Police.

At about 11:45 a.m., Maryland State troopers responded to a report of a crash involving two vehicles in the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway in Forestville, Maryland.

Crews from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration were at the crash to help with lane closures.

Robert Dempsey, a 40-year-old highway worker, was setting up cones on the ramp from St. Barnabas Road when he was hit by a Madza on the ramp, according to officials. Emergency officials pronounced him dead at the scene.

The driver of the Mazda, 41-year-old Joshua Anderson, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported, according to police.

Lanes were shut down for nearly five hours on Saturday as police investigated the scene.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team says the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration said it is “deeply saddened by the loss of one of our dedicated emergency responders while on-duty.”

“SHA reminds all motorist to slow down, move over, and stay alert when approaching workers on our roadways,” spokesperson Danny Allman said in a statement.