Christmas Tragedies Claim the Lives of Three Towmen

Christmas week brought devastating losses to the towing community, with three tow truck operators tragically killed in separate incidents, leaving families and colleagues mourning.

Wisconsin: Hussain Farhat Killed in Christmas Eve Hit-and-Run In Waukesha County, Wisconsin, 40-year-old Hussain Farhat of Yaffo Towing in Chicago was struck and killed on Christmas Eve while loading a disabled vehicle on I-94’s eastbound shoulder. A blue minivan fled the scene after hitting him around 6:41 p.m. Farhat was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

An anonymous tip led authorities to a suspect vehicle in Wales, Wisconsin. The 39-year-old suspect later turned himself in and is being held on a felony charge of Hit-and-Run Causing Death. The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and Wisconsin State Patrol are continuing their investigation.

Fellow tow truck operators gathered on Christmas Day at a vigil off Interstate 94 to honor Farhat. “It’s a tight brotherhood,” said Zach Arnett, one of the attendees. “When one of us falls, we stick together.”

Illinois: Tow Truck Driver Dies in Crash, Teenager Injured Hours before Farhat’s death, tragedy struck in Kankakee County, Illinois. A tow truck driver for Ray & Wally’s Towing was killed in a collision involving two semi-tractor trailers on Illinois Route 17.

The crash occurred around 7:06 a.m. when one semi lost control and struck another, as well as the tow truck semi. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His 15-year-old son, who was in the truck at the time, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Ray & Wally’s Towing expressed their grief in a Facebook post, asking for prayers for the victim’s family and healing for his son. “May God be with our team as we work through this tragedy,” the company wrote.

Texas: David Holz Struck and Killed On December 20, David Holz, a tow truck operator with Unlimited Towing and Recovery in Killeen, Texas, was struck and killed while assisting a vehicle on IH-35 near Salado.

Holz, a mentor to many in the industry, was known for his dedication and generosity. He previously worked with Goode Towing & Recovery and was beloved by colleagues and the broader towing community. He is survived by his wife, two children, and three grandchildren.

“This tragedy so close to the holidays is heartbreaking,” said a representative from Southwest Tow Operators. “David was a pillar of our industry, always willing to help others.”

Southwest Tow Operators has established a memorial fund through Texas Tow Op Down to support Holz’s family. Donations can be made with 100% of proceeds going to the family.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by these terrible losses,” said a representative from the towing community. “We urge drivers to stay vigilant, put phones down, and pay attention. These deaths are preventable.”