Texas: Tow Truck Driver Killed in Hit-and-Run While Trying to Help Stranded Motorist
A 51-year-old tow truck driver was hit and killed while trying to help a stranded motorist early Tuesday morning in Fort Worth. It happened at around 12:20 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35W near Sycamore School Road.
Police said Charles McGough had pulled over on the shoulder and was outside of his vehicle operating the controls on his wrecker when a passing semi struck his vehicle, killing him.
McGough was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi did not stop; no arrests have been made.
Charles McGough (images shared by his employer, Wicked Towing. Photo credit: NBC 5 News
McGough worked for a Kennedale-based company called Wicked Towing. In a phone conversation with NBC 5, the company's owner said they were "devastated" by his loss, noting that "we're a small company and so we're family."
They added that they hope his death will serve as a reminder to all drivers to watch out for tow truck operators on the road. State law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down while passing a working tow truck.
McGough leaves behind a fiancee and four sisters. A GoFundMe page has been set up by Wicked Towing to help his family.
According to police, a witness described the truck as a white semi that was pulling a "grain-type" trailer with a gray tarp. The truck should have damage to the front passenger side, including damage to the headlight and fiberglass body.
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