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A driver has been ticketed following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of Robert Bornt, a 54-year-old Department of Transportation (DOT) worker, in Pittstown. The incident occurred on Thursday (May 29) when Bornt was struck by a vehicle while working in a designated work zone on Route 7 near Campbell Lane. Despite being airlifted to Albany Medical Center, Bornt succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Bornt, who was also the chief of the Hoosick Falls Fire Department, was a dedicated highway maintenance supervisor and a 22-year veteran of the DOT. The driver involved in the accident remained at the scene, and although no criminal charges have been filed, the driver has received traffic tickets.
The New York State Police continue to investigate the incident. State Route 7 was temporarily closed to all traffic between Reservoir Lake Road and Parker School Road, and to commercial vehicles between Route 278 in Brunswick and Route 22 in Hoosick, to facilitate the investigation.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences, describing the accident as a "senseless tragedy" and emphasized the importance of work zone safety. "Work zone safety is everyone's responsibility," she said, urging drivers to slow down and pay attention in highway work zones to protect both the traveling public and workers.
The identity of the driver has not been released as no criminal charges have been filed. The community mourns the loss of Bornt, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and local fire departments. DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez described Bornt as a "hardworking, dedicated and beloved" member of the agency, and the nearby Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department expressed their condolences to Bornt's family and colleagues.