Caltrans worker dies after falling off freeway overpass

A California Department of Transportation worker died Wednesday after falling off a freeway overpass in San Diego.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said 57-year-old William Casdorph and his crew were performing maintenance work on the southbound State Route 163 overpass to southbound Interstate 805 when Casdorph fell. He suffered major injuries and passed away at the hospital.

Casdorph, of Chula Vista, was a maintenance lead worker and served for Caltrans for almost two decades.

“Our Caltrans family is grieving today,” Caltrans Director Laurie Berman said. “Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Mr. Casdorph’s family and all those who worked with him.”

California Gov. Jerry Brown released a statement following Casdorph’s death:

“Anne and I mourn the loss of Caltrans Highway Maintenance Leadworker William D. Casdorph, a dedicated public servant who worked to make our roads safer for nearly two decades. On behalf of all Californians, we extend our deep condolences to his family, friends and the Caltrans community as they struggle to cope with this sudden loss.”

Casdorph is the 189th Caltrans employee to lose his life on the job.