A tow truck driver was hit and killed while helping a stranded motorist on I-275 near Fowler Avenue early Sunday morning.
- According to reports, Danny Hand, 42, died Sunday
- Hand was working as a tow truck driver
- Authorities say Leandro Perez hit Hand while driving under the influence
Danny Hand, 42, of New Port Richey was working for Crockett's Towing and Recovery Service.
The Florida Highway patrol said he had parked his tow truck -- with the caution lights activated -- on the shoulder of the road. While he was working on the stranded vehicle, another vehicle, driven by Leandro Perez, left the road and hit him.
Perez is being charged with DUI manslaughter.
Tow truck drivers call it a 'devastating loss.'
"This young man is dead," said Ginger Darling, a tow truck driver who advocates for safety in the industry. "He's not coming back. He was on until 10 this morning and now he's on forever. We're going to drag his chains for him and we're going to take care of his family as best we can."
She said they will keep pushing for more public awareness about 'Move Over' laws and tougher penalties for drunk drivers.
"Think of the damage you're doing, think of the heartache you're causing," she said.
Hand's friends describe him as a "fun guy".
"He was always joking around and playing, willing to help anybody, he'd give you the shirt off his back," said Shannon Cottrell.
Cottrell said Hand enjoyed being a tow truck driver because he liked to help people.
"You know, he loved to do his job by the book, didn't skip corners anywhere," she said. "I loved him with all my heart."
Tampa Bay area tow truck drivers are attaching black ribbons to their truck's to show their grief.
Hand is the third tow truck driver to be killed on the job this year in Hillsborough County.
Roger Perez-Boroto was killed in February and Troy McGuire died in October.