Dozens remember tow truck driver killed in motorcycle crash (IN)

[TowNews]

 

Published: May 22nd, 2019 - 11:13pm (EDT)

Updated: May 23rd, 2019 - 5:32am (EDT)

 

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Dozens of people are paying tribute to a motorcyclist who died last week after crashing into a downed tree from a powerful storm.

 

Blinking yellow and red lights shone in the darkness from dozens of tow trucks and motorcycles. Their drivers were gathered on the south side Wednesday night to remember a man who loved both.

 

"Loved vehicles all together. Helping people that was his thing," said Jamie Clephane of Jerry Crawford, his friend of 20 years.

 

Crawford couldn't help himself Friday night when he hit a fallen tree on McCarty Street while riding his motorcycle.

The 42-year-old tow truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

"I'm heart broke. I'm angry," said Crawford's widow, Billie, who believes her husband should still be here.

 

According to neighbors near the crash scene, the tree Crawford hit fell down the night before during a storm and was reported to the city.

 

"Totally preventable," said Charles Ward.

 

Now, all Crawford's family and friends can do is pay tribute to a husband, father, and friend with a balloon release and memorial ride.

 

"It's just to show brotherhood. We are all family in this industry and when one passes away, we gotta show our respect to the loss and to the family," said Crawford's friend, Charles McGinnis.

 

Now Crawford's family and friends must find a way to go on without him.

 

"He was a hard worker. He enjoyed helping people. We definitely lost a good one for sure," said Ward.

 

Instead of planning a summer together, though, Crawford's family is planning his funeral.

 

"Jerry was a great guy. He had the biggest heart," Billie said.

 

RESOURCE LINK with video