Local 791-UTW members are mourning two co-workers, one a member of the bargaining unit,
who were killed July 31 while working on Exit Two of the Ohio Turnpike. Local 791
represents turnpike maintenance employees and toll collectors.
Richard Yoh, 43, was installing roadway reflectors on the Exit 2 ramp at approximately
1:30 p.m. when he and Dwayne Cisek, an assistant foreman, were struck by a westbound
pickup truck.
"Speed near work areas is a big safety problem on the turnpike," says Local
Pres. Sherri Nelson.
Both men were wearing reflective vests; Cisek was serving as a flag man to warn
motorists to slow down in the work area. Nelson notes that barrels and cones indicating a
work area had not been set up that afternoon but adds that this precaution may not have
prevented the accident. She says that reports indicate the driver of the pickup had not
been concentrating on the road and swerved at the last minute when realized he was heading
for an exit.
The three other workers in the crew, who were present at the scene of the fatality,
received counseling, Nelson reports. "This is the first fatality we have had to deal
with in several years. There are a lot of safeguards."
Assigned to the Kunkle maintenance section in West Unity, Yoh had worked for the
turnpike for two years. Nelson says he was active and well-liked in the community. His
funeral was well-attended.
A part-time police officer with the village of West Unity, Yoh was president of the
West Unity Lions Club and was a member of the Williams County Saddle Club and Hilltop
Athletic and Music Boosters, among other organizations.
Yoh is survived by his wife, Pat, a teacher's aide and four children, two of whom, Sam
and Melissa, are in college and another, Emily, is still at home.
