SAN DIEGO - More than 100 tow truck drivers led a procession down State Route 52 in honor of Fred Griffith, who was struck and killed on highway in February.
Griffith, a father of three who worked at San Diego's RoadOne Towing, was hit and killed by an alleged DUI driver on eastbound SR-52 on Feb. 23 as he was attending to a stranded motorist.
The driver of the SUV that struck Griffith, 48-year-old Michael Gilbert Gray, fled the scene but was pulled over by an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer who witnessed the crash. He is being charged with first-degree murder, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence among other charges.
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Saturday, fellow drivers from around southern California traveled up SR-52 E from RoadOne Towing, in Kearney Mesa, in honor of Griffith.
Griffith was described as a well-known driver and father, who was well-liked throughout his more than 20 years in the industry.
"The San Diego towing and recovery community is still reeling over the loss of our friend and colleague," a statement from organizers read. "Fred was known through Southern California as a safety instructor who taught tow truck safety to his fellow towers at San Diego's RoadOne Towing. His death underlines the dangers that tow operators face every day."
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The long line of tow trucks slowly drove with their headlights and four-way flashers blinking to bring attention to the risk first responders and operators face on roadways and bring attention to California's "Slow-down, Move-over" law.
