Construction worker killed in accident on Highway 75 identified

By Fox23.com News Staff

UPDATE 4/29/2026 — The construction worker who lost his life in a construction zone accident on Highway 75 last week has been identified.

Javier Gardea was killed when he was hit by a dump truck last Thursday. He was expecting his first child in the coming weeks.

Gardea, who is an alumnus at East Central, was honored last night when the school retired his soccer jersey.

If you would like to make a donation to the family’s GoFundMe, you can go here.

Local restaurant Tamale Boyz will be holding a fundraiser this weekend to help support the family.

TULSA, Okla. — A 22-year-old construction worker was struck and killed by a dump truck Thursday afternoon along Highway 75, according to Tulsa Police.

First responders were called about 1 p.m. to the area near 51st Street, where a road construction project was underway.

Police said multiple workers were on site when the man was struck by a backing dump truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries.

Authorities said some of the victim’s family members were also working on the construction crew and were nearby at the time of the incident.

Tulsa police said the investigation is ongoing, but initial findings suggest the incident was a tragic accident and not foul play.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation shared the following statement:

“The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is deeply saddened by today’s work zone tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the impacted family, friends and fellow crew members during this difficult time.

The incident happened as part of the I-44/US-75 interchange improvement project in Tulsa. The exact cause of the incident in the work zone is currently under investigation by the Tulsa Police Department.”