Loved ones remember White Plains father, Thruway maintenance worker who was hit by car and later died
"Me and Jamil have been friends for so long. He was like a pillar to our community, he was always friendly and always nice," said Wilson's friend, Paul Grasshoppa Howe.
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The tragic loss of a beloved father who was a New York State Thruway maintenance worker is being felt deeply in White Plains and beyond. Jamil Wilson died after he was hit by a car, according to police.
As News 12 has previously reported, the incident happened Monday afternoon on Interstate 287 in White Plains.
"Jamil and other employees were performing mowing operations on the Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287) in White Plains when he was struck by a vehicle," said a statement from the New York State Thruway Authority.
"It's very, very unfortunate. I think I'm all cried out, that's why I can't even cry. I just have to keep pushing," said Taidra Brabham.
Brabham said she and Wilson had been together since they were 16. She told News 12 that he was the love of her life.
The 47-year-old from White Plains was a maintenance worker.
Brabham said Wilson was doing what he loved Monday.
"That was his passion, cutting that grass," Brabham told News 12.
Wilson's loss is being felt very deeply.
Brabham says he was an amazing person and a great father who adored their two kids and worked hard every day.
"Kind, he always smiled. He laughed, he made people laugh and he never harbored any ill will toward anyone. He had so many people who loved him," Brabham explained.
"Me and Jamil have been friends for so long. He was like a pillar to our community, he was always friendly and always nice," said Wilson's friend, Paul Grasshoppa Howe.
The community is stepping in to help. A GoFundMe for Wilson's family has already gained more than $50,000.
Brabham said she is forever grateful for the love and support. She is asking for continued prayers as the family navigates this unimaginable loss.
She also has an urgent reminder for everyone.
"My children and I hope Jamil's passing serves as a reminder to everyone to stay focused and alert while driving. Every person working on our roadways has a family waiting for them at home," said Brabham.
