Flags have been ordered at half-staff in honor of a plow truck driver with the Illinois Department of Transportation who was reportedly killed in a wreck in Stark County.
According to a report by Central Illinois Proud, 49-year-old Michael Holmes of Wyoming, Illinois was killed on Friday, February 14, 2014 near Toulon after stopping to help a stranded motorist.
Holmes was reportedly plowing along Route 17 when he got out of his plow truck to lend a hand to someone else. A vehicle reportedly lost control, hitting the plow truck and then striking Holmes.
The report indicated that Holmes was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead around 10:30 a.m.
“Michael Holmes is a hero,” said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. “He gave his life while making our roads safer for his fellow citizens.”
Quinn ordered that flags be flown at half-staff to remind Illinois citizens of Holmes’ dedication and sacrifice.
The Department of Transportation said Holmes had worked with the winter operations crew since 2007.