MoDOT worker killed by drunk driver remembered at vigil

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Loved ones, friends, and colleagues of Clifton Scott gathered to remember the dedicated MoDOT worker killed on the job with a vigil Thursday night.

An American flag hoisted by a tow truck flew beyond a large crowd who heard from his sister, son and fiancé. A pastor preached about love not hate, and a cure for the disease of alcoholism. A stranger emerged from the crowd to sing "Amazing Grace."

The 15-year MoDOT veteran was killed early Friday morning on Interstate 70, as he was directing traffic around an accident. His co-workers grieve, but have continued their jobs.

"They're always looking over their shoulder," said supervisor Rusty James. "These guys have to go out every day and a truck that looked just like Cliff's and probably to the same place."

James remembers going to the scene.

"It was horrific, you can't prepare yourself for something like that," he said.

Scott was known for safety and attention to detail. Court documents show the man charged with hitting and killing him, Blue Springs attorney David Murdick, had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.

"The operators did what they were supposed to do. Traffic control was correct," James said. "You can't prepare for the actions of an impaired driver."

The close-knit group of motorist assist workers have continued their jobs this week. Soon, their trucks will no longer say "motorist assist" but "emergency response" - more fitting for their dangerous and crucial job.

"Cliff would want us back out there," James said.

Scott is survived by his fiancé, sister, brother and son.