Ohio: Hundreds of tow trucks at funeral for driver hit, killed on Ohio Turnpike

A tow truck driver was tragically hit and killed while helping a stranded driver on the Ohio Turnpike earlier this week and now his fellow drivers hope his death can spread awareness about the importance of moving over for roadside workers.  Michael Kennedy, 56, of Ravenna, was *struck by a tractor trailer on May 11 *as he was assisting a driver with a flat tire on Interstate 80 in Hudson.

On Friday, about 200 tow truck drivers brought their trucks to his funeral in Ravenna to honor Kennedy, who was affectionately known as "Turnpike Mike." "We all became one even though we're all individual companies. Today, we're all one brotherhood," said John Trgo, the owner of Interstate Towing. Kennedy worked for Interstate for many years. They drivers rolled along a 5-mile processional route from a Ravenna church to Charlestown Township cemetery where Kennedy was laid to rest.

Funeral attendees and friends of Kennedy said they hope the powerful convoy sent a message to be careful and move over.  "Most people don't know, but we're getting slaughtered on the highways all across the country. We lose a tower on average one a week," said Ron Myers from Pine Tree Towing. Ohio's Move Over Law instructs drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary public safety, emergency or road service vehicles using flashing lights.

No charges have been filed in Kennedy's case, which remains under investigation. State Troopers said the driver of the tractor trailer attempted to move over, but couldn't because of other traffic. A fund has been established to help Kennedy's family. Contributions can be to the "Michael Kennedy Memorial Fund" at Huntington Bank located at 230 W. Cedar Ave, Ravenna, Ohio, 44266.