Support Richard Garcia: WSDOT Worker Severely Injured in Highway 395 Work Zone Intrusion

Campaign Story

On December 10th at approximately 10:10 a.m., a routine workday for Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews turned into a life-altering event.

During active operations in a clearly marked WSDOT work zone at Highway 395 & Yelm, a vehicle intruded into the work zone and struck equipment and workers on site. Four workers were present during the incident.

• Travis, who was positioned at the front of the backing vehicle, was transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution. Thankfully, he did not sustain physical injuries, as the vehicle struck the trailer.

• Richard Garcia sustained severe injuries. Due to the extent of those injuries, he was LifeFlighted the following day to Harborview Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized and recovering.

• David was struck in the head and sustained facial injuries.

• I sustained a broken rib and a hematoma to my left arm and have been unable to return to work, as there are no light-duty options available.

While multiple workers were affected, this fundraiser is focused on supporting Richard Garcia, whose injuries were the most severe and life-altering, and whose recovery will be long and uncertain.

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Why This Fundraiser Is Needed

Work zone intrusions are not abstract statistics — they are real events that permanently change lives.

Richard was doing exactly what he was trained and assigned to do: serving the public and helping keep Washington’s roadways safe. In an instant, his life and his family’s stability were turned upside down.

This GoFundMe has been created to help support Richard and his loved ones with:

• Medical expenses not fully covered by insurance

• Travel, lodging, and meals for family during extended hospitalization

• Lost wages and income disruption

• Rehabilitation and long-term recovery needs

While investigations and formal processes take time, Richard’s needs are immediate.

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Union & Coworker Support

Richard’s coworkers and union have already stepped forward in support. The WFSE union has donated $500 as an initial show of solidarity.

This fundraiser is an opportunity for the broader community — coworkers, unions, neighbors, and the public — to stand with Richard and his family during this critical time.

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Who Richard Is

Richard is a hardworking, dependable member of the WSDOT team — the kind of coworker you trust beside you in a work zone. Like so many public servants, he never expected that simply doing his job would put his life at risk.

This fundraiser is not only about financial assistance. It is about recognizing the human cost of work zone intrusions and honoring a worker who was injured while serving the public.

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How You Can Help

• Donate, if you are able — every contribution makes a difference

• Share this fundraiser with friends, family, unions, and community groups

• Help amplify Richard’s story to reinforce the importance of work zone safety

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With Gratitude

On behalf of Richard Garcia, his family, his coworkers, and the WSDOT community — thank you for your compassion, generosity, and support.

Please slow down.

Please stay alert.

Our lives depend on it.