05/03/2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with C.J.’s family and friends and the S.T. Wooten team at the loss of one of their own.
Drivers, please slow down and pay attention to the world around you while driving a vehicle, especially when in work zones. The workers on these jobsites want nothing more than to finish their work day and go home safely to their friends and family. You might feel secure in your vehicles, but often the only protection our guys have on are vests and hard hats. Please think of our employees before making the choice to drive recklessly when out on the roads.
We are heartbroken to share that Asphalt Superintendent C.J. Bryant was struck and killed last night inside the I-40 work zone.
*** GO FUND ME UPDATE: Many of our friends have asked how they can help or contribute to CJ's family. A good friend of the company - and long-time former employee - has started a Go Fund Me. As Butch said, a tragedy of this kind has a far-reaching impact. If you would like to contribute, the link is https://www.gofundme.com/f/claude-cj-bryant ***
A driver entered our lane closure about 3:20am and struck C.J. After the accident, the driver ran from the scene but was later caught by law enforcement. Fortunately, no one else was injured.
C.J. was a hardworking leader at S.T. Wooten for the last 6 years. Starting as a foreman, he worked on several big jobs, including I-795, US 70, and another section of I-40 in Sampson County. He quickly became known for keeping his jobs ahead of schedule and always working to improve.
He was promoted to superintendent in 2021, where he began overseeing multiple jobs. He was responsible for the big picture but still loved working on the jobsite with the crews and his fellow employees.
C.J. leaves behind his fiancé (together 16 years) and 4 children. Please keep them, his friends and family, C.J.’s crew, and all our employees in your thoughts and prayers.
Please slow down around work zones, and don’t drive impaired.