LAWRENCE, Mich — A vigil was held on Monday for the Van Buren County Road Commission (VBCRC) employee killed while working at a construction site.
Rene Rangel, 58, was killed along CR 681 near 48th Avenue, between Lawrence Township and Bangor Township on Friday, when a driver tried to pass already stopped traffic.
Drugs are suspected to have contributed to the crash.
READ MORE: MSP identifies road worker hit, killed in construction zone near Lawrence Township
“Rene was an amazing man,” said Linnea Rader, VBCRC’s interim director. “His positive attitude, his fun-loving style, [and] his dedicated work ethic were all contagious. You couldn’t help but be happy around Rene.”
Rangel joined the department a few years.
His family was at the vigil, including his mother and wife.
They shared stories about him, played ACDC’s "Back in Black," his favorite song, then lit candles and listened to his truck’s horn blare for one last time.
His sister called him an inspiration who will be missed by many people.
“He was the most kind, loving human being,” she said. “Even when he was angry, he never took it out on no one. He would talk to you and he was just there for everyone.”
Rangel’s family sent a statement to FOX 17 earlier in the day too.
“We would like to thank everyone who has played a part in making this night special for us in remembering our loved one,” they wrote. “We have no words to describe the loss or the pain we are feeling but knowing that Rene' was loved by so many and will be remembered for the amazing person that he was brings us comfort.”
According to Rader, Rangel will be laid to rest next week.
The driver involved in the crash has not been arrested at this time.
The vigil can be watched below:
