FORESTPORT, N.Y. (WKTV) - The New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner, Stanley Gee, released a statement Tuesday, in regards to the Monday morning death of one of their own.

"November 2nd was a dark day for the New York State Department of Transportation. One of our own, Gary Farrell of Holland Patent, Oneida County, was struck by a pickup truck and killed while flagging traffic in a work zone on State Route 28 in Forestport.

Our hearts go out to Gary’s family and friends as we join them in grieving the tragic loss of a husband, father, and valued co-worker. We will miss him.

Highway work zones are dangerous places, and construction and maintenance workers like Gary put their lives on the line each day so that New York’s roads and bridges are safe for the traveling public.

Whatever your destination, please remember that when you are driving through a construction zone, these men and women have a destination too -- going home safely to their families at the end of the day. Slow down, use caution, and observe the traffic signs when driving through highway work zones."

According to Oneida County Sheriff's Deputies, Farrell, 48, of Holland Patent was working Monday morning as a flag person at a DOT work site on Route 28 in Forestport when he was struck and killed by a passing truck.

Farrell was struck by a 2004 GMC Pick up truck being driven by Patricia A. Evans, 63, of Alder Creek, authorities said.

According to a witness at the scene, around 11 a.m., Farrell was standing holding a Stop Sign for north bound traffic on Route 28 north when Evans, who was driving northbound on Route 28 in the work zone, struck Farrell with her truck.

Farrell was attended to at the scene by members of the Forestport Fire Dept and the Prospect Volunteer Ambulance, but they were unable to revive him. Evans was not injured in the crash.

Sheriff's Deputies said the accident remains under investigation.