Tow Operator Daniel "DJ" Ortiz Killed on I-287, NJ

A young tow truck operator was killed Wednesday, July 2, after being struck by an SUV while assisting a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of I-287 southbound.

Daniel “DJ” Ortiz, 24, of Hopatcong, New Jersey, had been working at milepost 31.4 around 11:42 a.m. when a Jeep SUV veered onto the shoulder and struck his Ram tow truck, the disabled Honda he was recovering, and Ortiz himself, according to Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.

Ortiz was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries and later died. The Jeep driver sustained minor injuries.

Ron & Sons Towing, Ortiz’s employer, confirmed his death in a heartfelt Facebook post, calling him “one of our brothers” and pleading with drivers to obey Move Over laws.

“He was doing everything right,” the company wrote. “And still, it wasn’t enough to protect him from someone else’s carelessness.”

Described as kind, helpful, and full of life, Ortiz's death has sparked renewed calls for motorists to slow down and move over for roadside workers. https://dailyvoice.com