SHA colleagues of Dipakkumar Patel lined US 50 and MD 12 Thursday, April 30, 2026 to honor and pay respects as thier fallen colleague was transferred to a funeral home in Salisbury. (MDOT SHA)
Below is a message Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson sent to employees about the tragic loss of two MDOT employees. The letter has been edited for clarity.
We are facing a profound loss within our Department. Last week, we tragically lost Mr. Robert Dempsey, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while responding to a crash on I-495; and Mr. Dipakkumar Patel, who perished when he was working along US 13 in Somerset County and his vehicle was struck by another vehicle. These gentlemen were two of our own, valued team members whose presence, dedication and contributions meant so much to all of us. This is a deeply difficult time, and our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues as we mourn together.
Mr. Robert Dempsey joined the State Highway Administration (SHA) team in January 2026 as an Emergency Response Technician (ERT) in the Office of Transportation Mobility and Operations, having previously served as an ERT with the Maryland Transportation Authority. He was a kind and gentle soul who loved his job and his SHA family.
SHA CHART vehicles drive along I-695 Friday, May 1, 2026 in Catonsville to honor their fallen colleague Robert Dempsey. (MDOT SHA)
Mr. Dipakkumar Patel had been part of the SHA family since 2015, progressing from Inspector to Transportation Engineering Technician II. He was a diligent and dedicated member of SHA’s District 1 team.
Moments like this remind us that behind every role is a person, a family and a community. Our employees are the heart of this Department, and their safety, remains my highest priority. I am committed—without exception—to providing a safe working environment and to continually strengthening the measures that protect each member of the MDOT family.
We recognize the weight of this moment and the concerns it may raise. Please know that we will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure that safety is not only a standard, but a daily practice supported by action, accountability and care.
We honor Mr. Dempsey and Mr. Patel by recommitting ourselves to the values that define us—respect, responsibility and care for one another. Please look out for and take care of one another during this extremely difficult time.
Please continue to keep Robert and Dipak’s families, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Katie Thomson is the Maryland Secretary of Transportation