Martinez, CA – On the evening of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Mahdi Khorram, 39, died after a construction zone collision involving a dump truck, according to NBC Bay Area.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:35 PM on westbound Highway 4 near the McEwen offramp in Martinez.
Khorram, a Caltrans construction inspector, worked inside a designated closure when a dump truck, identified by investigators as an asphalt truck, struck him in the work zone. The impact left him critically injured. Emergency crews transported Khorram to a nearby hospital, where he later died from the trauma.
Officials confirmed that Khorram had served with Caltrans since 2023. He leaves behind his wife and a 3-year-old child. Authorities described him as a committed public servant dedicated to improving roadway safety for California drivers.
The driver of the dump truck remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Officers conducted interviews and gathered information from witnesses present at the construction site. Authorities did not report impairment as a factor in the crash.
CHP investigators closed portions of Highway 4 for several hours overnight while they documented the scene, inspected the truck, and spoke with road crew members. The closure caused traffic delays in the area until the freeway reopened early Thursday morning.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed condolences on Thursday, noting Khorram’s service and offering sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues grieving his loss.
The investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released details about the truck’s speed or site safety conditions at the time of the incident.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
California Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
When a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, surviving family members may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits. These payments can help support spouses, children, or other financial dependents impacted by the loss.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
