UAW member dies after accident near John Deere picket line in Illinois

Before sunrise on Wednesday, about 6 a.m., the Milan Police Department responded to a report of a collision between a single motor vehicle and a pedestrian. According to the initial investigation, the pedestrian was crossing the intersection of the Rock Island Milan Parkway and Deere Drive when he was struck by a vehicle.

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Identified as a 56-year-old Local 79 member, the pedestrian was employed by the Milan John Deere Parts Distribution Plant for 15 years, says the United Auto Workers (UAW). He succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our brother who was reporting to the picket line. Our brother was fighting for what is right, and we all mourn for his family and coworkers,” said Ron McInroy, director of UAW Region 4. “Through our tears, we continue to picket and honor the solidarity of our fallen brother. But we do this with heavy hearts today.”

“We are saddened by the tragic accident and death of one of our employees who was struck by a vehicle before dawn yesterday morning while crossing the Milan Beltway. All of us at John Deere express our deepest condolences to their family and friends. We have no further details as we await reports from law enforcement,” John Deere said in a statement Thursday morning.

The Milan Police Department was assisted by the Moline Police department at the scene of the accident. The investigation is ongoing.