25 years later, Belle Williams still grieves the loss of her husband killed in a work zone collision on US 12

By: Tina Werner

They say it gets easier with time. It hasn’t for Belle Williams. She has grieved the loss of her husband every day for 25 years.

Sam Williams was a highway maintenance worker based out of Morton in southwest Washington. On Feb. 22, 2000, Sam kissed Belle and their four children goodbye before leaving for his shift. It was the twins' birthday, and their party would be later that night. Sam was flagging in a marked work zone along US 12 near Mossyrock – simply doing his job – when he was hit by a speeding and distracted driver. Sam never made it home. He later died in the hospital. Belle stayed by his side, even after he passed. He was 41 years old.

Belle Williams (center) is surrounded by her four children with a photo of Sam Williams. Sam was killed in 2000 when a distracted driver entered his work zone on US 12 near Mossyrock. Law enforcement cited the causing driver for excessive speed.

“He is not with us physically anymore, but he is always with us,” Belle said.

Sam’s passing left a profound impact on those around him. Those closest to him described him as a devoted father, husband and community member. His absence has meant missing out on pivotal family moments—father-daughter dances, lawnmower races with his son and graduations.

Sam was a valued member of the Morton maintenance shed, loved his community and served as a volunteer firefighter. Belle described his death as tragic and something she hopes no other family ever has to endure.

In addition to being a dedicated highway maintenance worker with us, Sam Williams was also a volunteer firefighter in his community. He is seen here coming out of a smoke-filled home in Morton, receiving a fresh oxygen tank.

On the day of the work zone crash, Belle remembers having a bad feeling when Sam kissed them goodbye.

“He hugged us and even sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to the twins,” said Belle. “He was a great dad, and we had no reason to believe he wouldn’t be home that night to celebrate our girls’ birthday.”

While mourning the loss of her spouse, Belle faced yet another challenge—a cancer diagnosis. But she fought and beat it, embodying resilience. Her children were her motivation to stay strong.

Sam and Belle had four children together. Thanks to WSDOT’s Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization supported largely by employee contributions, the Williams children received college scholarships. The foundation has provided financial support to 292 families, totaling $547,000, helping with medical expenses, assistance for families of fallen workers and support for injured employees.

Belle said she and the children are grateful for the scholarships they received.

“Going to college was one of Sam’s many goals for his children. The WSDOT Memorial Foundation helped make that possible,” said Belle. Their son, Sam Jr. works for us in Morton doing highway maintenance work. The Morton facility is the same facility his dad, “Big Sam”, worked out of.

Belle (left) with her daughter Kelsey (right) pose for a photo in March 2025 at the Columbia Tower in Seattle for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Firefighter Stair Climb.

Belle is now retired from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, but the grief still lingers.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Sam’s death. Work zone employees are spouses, parents, children, siblings and friends—they all deserve to go home safely at the end of their shift.

Unfortunately, many workers have faced close calls, serious injuries or death due to drivers' actions in work zones. Crews work mere inches from speeding traffic and workers often recount incidents where quick action prevented tragedy.

We’re seeing more speeding and erratic behavior in work zones– which puts everyone at risk.

• In 2024, the total number of work zone-related crashes increased by 17 percent, rising from 1,377 crashes in 2023 to 1,607 crashes.
• The largest increase was in serious injury crashes, which rose by 36 percent from 2023 to 2024.
• It’s not just road crews at risk in work zones: Nearly 96 percent of people injured in work zone crashes are drivers, their passengers or nearby pedestrians. It is in everyone’s interest to pay attention and drive safely in work zones.

Most work zone crashes are preventable. According to the Washington State Patrol, the top three reasons for work zone collisions in 2024 were:

1. Following too closely
2. Excessive speed
3. Inattention/distracted driving

While even one loss is too many, we now have better tools to keep our workers and the traveling public safe in work zones. We collaborate with construction teams, unions, fellow state agencies and legislative partners to enhance work zone safety for everyone. We adopt proactive approaches to work zone design. As new technology is developed, we explore new safety equipment and tactics to minimize worker exposure to traffic.

Additionally, the phased rollout of the Work Zone Speed Camera Program in active construction, maintenance and crash zones will begin this year. This program, built in partnership with the Washington State Patrol and other safety-focused agencies, aims to prevent tragedies. It starts with one camera and will expand to six by this summer.

Belle holds a framed photo of her husband Sam Williams. This year is the 25th anniversary of his death. Belle hopes to raise awareness about the importance of work zone safety.

The goal of the program is simple: save lives. And Belle is hopeful it will do just that.

“If it saves one life, it will be worth it,” says Belle.