Florida Tow Operator Struck and Killed on the Florida Turnpike

A 22-year-old tow operator from North Lauderdale, Florida, was struck and killed on the Florida Turnpike near Plantation at approximately 5 a.m. Saturday, October 8.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the operator, who has yet to be identified, was outside of his truck after arriving to assist a disabled vehicle when the driver of a Ford F-250 pickup, a 42 year-old Margate, Fla., man, veered into the outside lane and crashed into the tow truck.

The tow truck was pushed into the disabled vehicle, and the vehicle of a relative of the disabled vehicle driver, who was on the scene to help, the FHP said.

The operator was injured and transported to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The FHP is investigating the crash and stated that alcohol is believed to be a factor.