DOT worker killed by falling tree limb

An 11-year employee of the state Department of Transportation was killed today after he was hit by a falling tree limb while working to clear a slide on Highway 101 near Indian Hill west of Port Angeles.

Neal Richards, 42, of Forks, died in the accident.

"I'm deeply saddened at the loss of a part of our WSDOT family. Neal's death is a terrible tragedy, which affects us all," said Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond.

Richards worked at the DOT since 1998, most recently as a maintenance lead tech in Port Angeles.

"This kind of news just rips a big hole in your heart," said Kevin Dayton, Olympic Region Administrator.

Richards is survived by his wife and two children, 10 and 12.

In a statement, Gov. Chris Gregoire said, "I was extremely saddened to learn of the death of Neal Richards. Neal died while working to make travel safer for our residents. This tragic event is a reminder of the danger many of our state workers are exposed to while doing their jobs and serving the people of our state."

The governor has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Monday in memory of Richards.