Mahdi Khorram Martinez, CA Accident – The Martinez community and the broader Caltrans family are grieving the devastating loss of Mahdi Khorram, a 39-year-old Caltrans construction inspector who tragically lost his life in a construction zone accident. On Wednesday morning, September 18, 2025, Mahdi was struck by an asphalt truck while performing his duties on Highway 4 in Martinez, California. The accident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m., has left his family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken.

Based in Concord, California, Mahdi began his career with Caltrans in 2023 as a transportation engineer – construction inspector. In a short but impactful tenure, he quickly established himself as a respected professional. Known for his dedication, technical knowledge, and positive spirit, Mahdi earned the admiration of coworkers and supervisors alike.

As a construction inspector, Mahdi carried a critical responsibility: overseeing project safety and ensuring construction standards were upheld. His work directly contributed to safer and more reliable infrastructure for Californians. He was deeply committed to public service and never lost sight of the importance of safeguarding both his team and the communities who relied on the state’s roads.

In a statement, Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy reflected on the loss: “Mahdi was more than a colleague – he was a valued member of our Caltrans family. His passing leaves a void that words cannot fill.” The sentiment is shared across the agency, where his dedication and warmth left an enduring impression.

Though construction zones are designed with strict safety measures, the tragic accident underscores the risks faced by those working in high-risk environments. The exact circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, but Caltrans has expressed profound sorrow and pledged to review safety procedures to prevent future tragedies.

To honor Mahdi’s service, flags have been lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol, the Capitol Annex Swing Space, and all Caltrans facilities statewide. This solemn tribute reflects the state’s recognition of Mahdi’s sacrifice and the essential, often dangerous, work performed by public employees tasked with maintaining and improving infrastructure.

Mahdi is remembered not just for his professional excellence, but for his character. Friends, family, and colleagues describe him as a caring and hardworking individual who brought positivity to every interaction. His contributions to Caltrans and the people of California will live on in the projects he helped complete and the example he set for others.

The heartbreaking loss of Mahdi Khorram has sparked renewed discussion on construction zone safety, highlighting the need for vigilance and continued improvements in protecting workers. Caltrans has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening safety standards, honoring Mahdi’s memory by ensuring his sacrifice inspires meaningful change.

As the Martinez community and the state of California mourn, Mahdi’s legacy of dedication and service will not be forgotten. His life, though tragically cut short, serves as a reminder of the risks borne by those who work tirelessly to keep our roads safe and functional.