District 11

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Contact: Media Information Officer Edward Cartagena

Phone: (619) 688-6670

Caltrans Worker Dies From Injuries

SAN DIEGO – A California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) landscape maintenance worker died from injuries early this afternoon after being struck by a trolley, just north of the 24th Street Trolley Station in National City.

Stephen Palmer Sr., 64, of Jamul was breathing but unresponsive after being struck by the trolley at about 1 p.m., according to National City Police. He was transported to the UCSD Medical Center, where he died. Mr. Palmer worked for the Caltrans Imperial Landscape Crew based in San Diego.

"The First Lady and I offer our deepest condolences to Palmer's family, friends and colleagues, who are coping with this tragic loss," said Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

"We are still sifting through the details of what took place, and dealing with the shock of suddenly losing a member of our Caltrans Family," said Caltrans District Director Laurie Berman. "Our hearts are with Stephen's family and friends and the employees who worked with him. It is such a tragic loss."

Mr. Palmer had worked for Caltrans during the past four years. He is survived by his wife Bertha, sons Stephen Palmer Jr., Gilbert Asperin, Rick Asperin and daughter Sherry Yafuso.

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