Dover tow-truck driver suffers medical emergency, dies while towing cars (NJ)

[TowNews]

A longtime Dover tow truck driver died Wednesday night after suffering a medical event while hauling two cars, and veering across Route 46 before he came to a stop, police said.

Police responded to the scene at 10:08 p.m., near West Blackwell Street, where they found the driver, Dimitrios “Jim” Paliatsas, 71, owner of Jim’s Mobile Garage, unconscious inside his truck, Public Safety Director Daniel DeGroot said.

The truck was traveling west when it veered across the roadway. No other vehicles or persons were involved.

Paliatsas was administered emergency medical care and transported to St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover, where the Dover resident was later pronounced dead. 

DeGroot said the police investigation indicates Paliatsas suffered a medical event that rendered him unconscious just before the crash.

A family member said obituary information for the longtime Dover business owner will be released Friday.

According to its Facebook page, Jim's Mobile Garage started in the 1970s and specializes in auto repairs, oil changes, engine rebuilds, towing, authorized police towing and car sales.

RESOURCE LINK

[5towman]

thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. At least he died doing what he loved. 

[Louwo]

Oh wow. Hope the best. I've dropped off a few cars to his shop over the years. Was a very nice man when I had to drop anything there.

[mooresbp]

Prayers go out to the family and friends