Louisiana Tow Operator Struck and Killed While Assisting Motorist

A tow operator was struck and killed Friday, April 23, on Interstate 12 near Covington, La.

Louisiana State Police say Tyler Patrick Quave, 23, of Bush, La., was assisting a motorist with a disabled vehicle.

Quave was reportedly loading the vehicle on the right shoulder of an exit lane on I-12 eastbound shortly before 6 a.m. He was partially in the exit lane wearing reflective clothing with the tow truck’s lights activated when a van traveling in the lane faliled to move over, swideswiped the tow truck and struck Quave.

The operator was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van was uninjured.

Police are investigating whether criminal or traffic charges will be filed. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor but toxicology results are pending, police say.