CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — We are learning about the life of the Macomb County Department of Roads worker who died when a driver crashed into him.
His name is Zachary Morisette. The 26-year-old’s family is asking for the public’s help getting justice.
Michigan State Police say they still have not identified the driver who hit him and then kept going.
“Kid didn’t deserve this. I just want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anybody else,” said Jim Morisette, Zach’s uncle.
Jim Morisette says his family will never be the same without his nephew. The 2012 graduate of Anchor Bay High School who lived in Chesterfield Township knew what was important to him.
He beat childhood leukemia three times, lived with a smile, and cherished his family, who supported him through it all.
“There has never been an individual who cared so much about his family. He’s taken that with him. He was protector with his nieces and nephews, his grandparents. He loved everyone in his family more than I ever seen before,” said Jim Morisette.
When Zach got a job in March with the Macomb County Department of Roads he followed in his loved one’s footsteps. His uncle and grandpa retired from there.
His uncle keeps thinking about the last text he received from his nephew, thanking him for being a reference. He heard from people at the road commission that his nephew worked hard and brought a positive attitude.
“The reports of him - first one on the job and first one out of the truck. He just loved that job,” said his uncle.
As Zach patched I-94 eastbound south of Nine Mile in Saint Clair Shores Monday afternoon, with crews working out of two trucks, Michigan State Police say someone hit him. The driver then kept going.
Police believe a white large box truck may be responsible for the deadly crash. They are asking for tips from the public. There will likely be damage to the side of the vehicle.
The family is asking all drivers to think of Zach and always slow down for not just road crews, but tow truck drivers, first responders, and anyone on the side of the road.
“People, it seems like they will stop for a dog or a bird, but human life… slow down,” said Jim Morisette.
Michigan State Police tell me they are still working to identify the driver responsible, as they follow leads from witnesses.
The family says it is thankful for all who have supported them and hoping the driver responsible turns themselves in or is brought to justice.
