MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Police say the driver who hit a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) worker was intoxicated when the deadly crash happened.
According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, the Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is investigating the crash that happened at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Rodney Road on Sunday.
Investigators say first responders were called to the area shortly before 4:45 a.m. for reports of a pedestrian hit by a car. Upon arrival, they found 39-year-old Ernest Joseph Dyson. He died at the scene of the crash.
Dyson was working as a WSSC Water employee in the area when he was hit by an intoxicated driver behind the wheel of a 2011 Volkswagen CC, according to police.
WSSC Water released a statement Monday, saying Dyson worked for the utility company for nearly 18 years.
“The entire WSSC Water organization has heavy hearts today as we join family and friends in mourning the loss of one of our own, Crew Supervisor Ernest Joseph Dyson. Ernest died while serving in the line of duty while responding to a water main break in Silver Spring in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 8, 2024, when a driver fatally struck him at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Rodney Road. According to Montgomery County Police, the driver was intoxicated. This is a sad reminder of the risks our front-line water heroes face in service to our 1.9 million customers. WSSC Water is devastated by this tragedy. Ernest was the embodiment of professionalism and public service. He was a dedicated and highly respected member of the Utility Services Department and a beloved member of Team H2O with nearly 18 years of service to WSSC Water customers. We are all heartbroken and honestly still in shock as we process this senseless tragedy. Our deepest condolences are with Mr. Dyson’s family during this incredibly difficult time and with all his teammates who knew and cared for him. We will continue to support the family and team as we navigate through this difficult time.”