Holt, MI (May 28, 2026) – Two Michigan transportation workers were killed Tuesday afternoon after an SUV struck them on US-127 near Holt Road. The collision was reported just after 1:15 p.m.
The workers were identified as Bruce Wagner, 51, and Steve Spenle, 49. Both were performing roadwork at the time they were hit.
A 24-year-old man lost control of his SUV before it struck the workers. The driver was not immediately identified. He was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
A third worker was also hurt in the wreck but did not suffer serious injuries, according to the Michigan State Employees Association.
Preliminary information from the sheriff’s office indicates that speed was a factor in the accident. The case remains open as investigators continue gathering details. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of Bruce Wagner and Steve Spenle, and to all who knew them.
What Are the Risks Road Workers Face in Active Work Zones on U.S. Highways?
Road construction workers are among the most exposed workers on public highways. They often stand just feet from moving traffic while performing their jobs, with little more than cones, barriers, and posted speed limit signs between them and passing vehicles. Work zone crashes account for hundreds of worker deaths across the country each year.
Speed is consistently one of the leading factors in work zone fatalities. Drivers who fail to slow down in posted construction zones give themselves less time to react if a vehicle drifts or a worker steps into the travel path. Reduced speeds in these zones exist specifically because the margin for error is so small. Even a brief lapse in attention at highway speeds can have devastating consequences.
