SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) maintenance workers Shawn Baker and Joseph “Robert” Jones:
“Anne and I were saddened to learn of the deaths of Shawn Baker and Joseph Robert’ Jones, who worked day-in and day-out to make the roads safer for Californians. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues mourning this tragedy. Our thoughts are also with Kevin Skillen who was injured in the incident.”
Shawn Baker, 50, of Weed, and Joseph “Robert” Jones, 40, of Montague, died today during a rock scaling operation to stabilize a slope on Highway 96, west of Yreka.
Baker was a 12-year veteran of the department and Jones worked for Caltrans for seven years. Kevin Skillen, a Caltrans equipment operator, is being treated for injuries at a Medford, OR area hospital.
Baker is survived by his wife, Tammie, and four children, Quinton, Weston, Mariah and Hilary.
Jones is survived by his wife, Shannon, his mother, Marty Mangrum, and three children, Michael, Daryl and Stephen.
In honor of Baker and Jones, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.