Michigan: Woman arraigned in tow truck driver's death
Authorities are investigating after a tow truck driver was hit and killed while loading a vehicle on his truck. It happened after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10 on northbound Dixie Highway near the Bridgeport exit in Saginaw County.
Investigators said 41-year-old Thomas Tripp, a Mike's Wrecker employee, was attending to a disabled vehicle when he was hit by a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 49-year-old Bridgeport woman. Tripp was pronounced dead at the scene.The driver of the Jeep, 49-year-old Deeann Parsons, has been charged with driving under the influence resulting in death, which is a 15-year penalty. Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
District Judge Terry J Clark has set a Parsons's bond at $25,000 on Jan 12. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers of Thomas Tripp," Bridgeport Township Police Chief David Duffett said. Bill Giorgis, president of Mike's Wrecker, said he will never forget receiving that phone call.
"It's been a horrible night for them and as well for his family here," Giorgis said. Tripp worked for the company for almost 10 years. Giorgis said he loved his job and people loved him. "He was someone that showed up to work on time and he gave 100 percent every day. And he was just a valuable asset to us as a company," Giorgis said.
He said these types of accidents are way too common for tow truck drivers. "A tow truck driver gets killed almost every six days in the United States. It's a horrible, horrible statistic," Giorgis said. Giorgis offered advice for drivers on the roads with tow trucks.
"More importantly than move over, we want people to pay attention when they're driving. Put down your phone. Put down whatever you're doing," Giorgis said. Bridgeport Township police is investigating the incident. Authorities are investigating after a tow truck driver was hit and killed while loading a vehicle on his truck. It happened after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10 on northbound Dixie Highway near the Bridgeport exit in Saginaw County.
Investigators said 41-year-old Thomas Tripp, a Mike's Wrecker employee, was attending to a disabled vehicle when he was hit by a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 49-year-old Bridgeport woman. Tripp was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Jeep, 49-year-old Deeann Parsons, has been charged with driving under the influence resulting in death, which is a 15-year penalty. Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
District Judge Terry J Clark has set a Parsons's bond at $25,000 on Jan 12.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers of Thomas Tripp," Bridgeport Township Police Chief David Duffett said.
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