A Mississippi Department of Transportation maintenance technician died Tuesday in what MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath called a “tragic tractor accident.”

Mark Youngblood, who had worked in the Bude Maintenance Office since 2011, was killed in the accident on Hwy. 84 in Franklin County.

“My heart goes out to Mark’s family, friends and coworkers,” said McGrath. “When we lose anyone from the MDOT family it shakes the agency to its core. He was working to maintain the highways and improve safety for Mississippi. Mark was one of our dedicated public servants willing to do needed work along Mississippi highways. We ask everyone to keep the Youngblood family in your thoughts and prayers as we seek comfort and healing for every one touched by this tragic loss.”