Work zones are inherently hazardous environments where construction workers, utility providers, telecommunications crews, and traffic control professionals must navigate busy roadways, heavy machinery, and inclement weather, which can all increase safety risks as they build and maintain our nation’s critical infrastructure. While companies can do everything in their power to ensure their team members return home safely every day, the tragic reality is that fatal accidents still occur. In 2023, 1,075 people lost their lives in the United States due to construction-related work incidents, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These devastating losses leave families, friends, coworkers, and communities changed forever.
At Flagger Force, we understand firsthand the profound and lasting impact of losing a colleague and friend on the job, as well as the grief and financial hardships their loved ones face. For more than 20 years, our organization operated without the loss of a single employee. Then, within a short period of time, we tragically lost two team members as a result of inattentive drivers traveling through our work zones. These losses left a permanent mark on our company and underscored the critical need for enhanced work zone safety measures across the country.
Following these devastating losses, Flagger Force partnered with Construction Angels, to connect the families of our fallen team members with resources and support. The national nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting the immediate family members of workers who have been tragically killed in construction-related incidents. Through access to grief counseling and financial assistance, Construction Angels helps families during life’s most difficult moments.
After seeing the impact Construction Angels has on families and wanting to help the organization continue in their mission, our President and CEO, Mike Doner, joined Construction Angels’ Board of Directors in 2025. Most recently, we hosted Tee Off for a Cause, a charity golf outing in North Carolina to support Construction Angels’ efforts.
To continue raising awareness of the critical resources Construction Angels provides and to highlight the meaningful impact the organization has on grieving families, we sat down with Kristi Ronyak, Founder and CEO. In her role, Kristi serves as an advocate for construction worker safety and family assistance. She is deeply involved in industry associations, community initiatives, and national conventions—bringing visibility to an important cause that is often overlooked.
Read what Kristi shared during our recent conversation to learn more about Construction Angels’ history, impact, vision for the future, and how the organization ensures that no family faces their darkest days alone.
Who does Construction Angels serve and what type of support does the organization provide?
Kristi: When a construction worker is killed in a work-related accident, we provide immediate financial assistance and grief counseling to their spouse and children under the age of 19. We also offer scholarships to children who have lost a parent and those who are furthering their education in the construction industry.
What inspired you to start Construction Angels?
Kristi: I’m a third-generation member of an asphalt family, having grown up around asphalt plants, paving job sites, and industry events. In 2009, while attending the World of Asphalt trade show, I encountered a woman collecting donations for the family of a fallen worker. After contributing, I couldn’t stop thinking about the families affected by construction-related tragedies. As I began researching the issue, I learned that on average 3+ construction workers lose their lives every day in the United States. I was astounded by this statistic, and at the time, I was unable to find any charities dedicated to supporting loved ones left behind. Recognizing this gap, I set out to create an organization focused on caring for and supporting hardworking industry families, which is how Construction Angels came to fruition.
Can you share a story that illustrates the positive impact Construction Angels has had on a family or community?
Kristi: In 2023, there was a horrific crash on I-695 in Maryland. A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed plowed through a concrete barrier and into a work zone killing six people. This incident gained national attention and prompted important conversations about the need for improved work zone safety and protection for roadway workers. Immediately following this incident, Construction Angels conducted national outreach and was able to provide over $126,000 total to all the families impacted by the tragedy.
A year later, in 2024, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, resulted in the loss of six construction workers. In response, Construction Angels raised more than $99,000, with all funds directed to the victims’ families to help provide immediate assistance during an incredibly difficult time.
More recently, a woman in Michigan lost her husband in a tragic trench collapse. While navigating the grief process, she was also faced with the responsibility of caring for the couple’s two young children. Construction Angels stepped in to provide support and guidance. Today, this woman helps chair our organization’s Spousal Support Program, which connects individuals who are grieving the loss of a partner and provides compassionate support.
No company is exempt from the risk of a workplace fatality, and when awful incidents happen, families are left to navigate overwhelming loss. Being a reliable source of immediate financial assistance and grief counseling for mourning families nationwide is something I take great pride in.
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges families face after losing a loved one in a construction-related work incident?
Kristi: Experiencing the loss of a loved one and navigating the grief journey is challenging and the process looks different for everyone. It’s common for the reality of it all to set in months later.
In the aftermath of tragedies, the surviving spouses and parents must have difficult conversations with their children about why their dad or mom isn’t coming home and why their day-to-day activities look different. There is also the financial burden associated with funeral costs and the loss of income. The future can be uncertain and scary. During these times, our goal is to provide family members with financial and emotional relief. We care deeply about those impacted by work-related tragedies.
How do you stay motivated and positive when your work often involves supporting families and communities during tragic times?
Kristi: I get asked this question a lot because what we do is sad and having conversations with grief-stricken families is difficult. But I try to focus on the positive impact Construction Angels has on these individuals. Many families that I speak with are so grateful for our assistance that they cry out of happiness.
There are also parts of the job that are fun, such as planning and hosting fundraising events that bring together associations, industry partners, and community members.
How has your work shaped your views on safety and the importance of companies providing proactive training, best-in-class personal protective equipment, and other safety elements?
Kristi: Many incidents are preventable. Every company has a responsibility to adhere to OSHA standards and other state guidelines and ensure their employees are properly trained to prevent tragic accidents. I feel that our industry does a great job at participating in “toolbox talks,” hosting conferences, and implementing campaigns to bring employees together and reinforce the importance of job site safety.
Recently, I’ve seen an increase in the number of incidents involving vehicles hitting roadway workers. In my opinion, this is a problem that needs fixed at the government level with more stringent work zone safety laws that are properly enforced. I know many states are starting to put cameras in work zones that automatically cite speeding motorists, which is helpful. Motorists must do their part too. I can’t stress it enough. Our nation’s roads are not playgrounds or raceways. The men and women working on or near the roads every day want to return home safely to their loved ones.
How does Construction Angels collaborate with businesses, partners, and other community groups to raise awareness of the impactful services your organization offers?
Kristi: Years ago, I started teaming up with local and national construction associations to get in front of their members. This helped increase awareness, but not everyone is a member of an industry association. So, we also partnered with equipment dealers and larger contracting companies.
More recently, we’ve had companies host fundraising events in support of our charity, like Flagger Force’s Tee Off for a Cause golf outing. These events are wonderful because they allow Construction Angels to get in front of new suppliers, subcontractors, and our partners’ clients. We also have sponsors who put on fundraising events at both the state and national levels to raise money and awareness of our organization.
How can companies and industry leaders help your organization expand its impact?
Kristi: A challenge we face is trying to get in touch with the affected individuals once we hear about an incident. We receive news stories from across the country about work-related tragedies, but the company or family that experienced the fatality may not know that Construction Angels exists. To expand our reach, it’s important that the companies and industry leaders who are currently involved with Construction Angels spread the word that our charity is genuine, operated by people in the construction industry, and governed by a Board of Directors who want to be there for every family that experiences a loss. The more contractors, crew members, engineers, and partners who know about our charity, the more people we can help.
In 2026, I plan to meet with representatives from OSHA and various departments of transportation to get them more engaged in sharing our message. When fatalities happen, OSHA is commonly involved, so ensuring they are aware of Construction Angels and the assistance we offer is critical.
Another way people can help us expand our impact is by becoming a state, regional, or national sponsor. We also accept monthly, recurring donations or one-time gifts throughout the year. All contributions are tax deductible, and every dollar makes a difference.
We also accept Legos year-round. The Legos are sent to children who lose a parent in a construction-related work accident. Not only do the Legos help keep the kids’ minds busy, but they encourage young ones to build, which connects to the construction industry.
Companies or individuals who are interested in getting involved or supporting Construction Angels can visit our website to learn more.
How can companies or individuals who have experienced a loss gain access to Construction Angels’ support resources?
Kristi: The first step is to fill out the Assistance Request Form on our website. The form is simple and takes approximately five minutes to complete. We’re not a legal or insurance organization, so we don’t ask tough questions. We just want to help our fellow industry workers and families.
Once the form is submitted, our team will verify that the individual was employed by the listed company and confirm their beneficiaries. Our Family Assistance Committee will approve the funds as the final step. The whole process is quick, and sometimes financial assistance can be provided to families the same week an incident occurs.
The sooner the Assistance Request Form is submitted, the better. Based on our bylaws, Construction Angels can only provide immediate financial assistance and grief counseling for incidents that have happened within the past six months.
Looking ahead to 2026, are there any new initiatives or partnerships you are excited about?
Kristi: Our goal is to be in all 50 states by 2030, so in the near term, we’re focused on teaming up with new partners and gaining exposure through new events.
In 2026, we’re excited that Seminole Asphalt Paving has included our logo on their new LeeBoy paver, which will be showcased at PAVE/X in New Orleans and at a golf tournament in Orlando.
Additional organizations are getting involved with Construction Angels, like CREW in Baltimore, Maryland, and Denver, Colorado. Alta Equipment is planning an event in Chicago, Illinois, in support of our charity and Total Earth Services is hosting their first golf fundraiser in Florida. There are plenty of ways to get involved across the United States and we’re always looking for new companies and professionals to collaborate with!
At Flagger Force, we’re committed to keeping our communities moving and that includes providing support to our team members, clients, and the industry at large. We’re honored to collaborate with Construction Angels to assist families within our industry who have been deeply impacted by the loss of a loved one in a work-related accident, while also raising critical awareness of the need for improved work zone safety. We extend our sincere thanks to Kristi Ronyak for her time, compassion, and dedication to supporting the spouses and children of fallen construction workers during their darkest days.
