Tow Truck Drivers Honor Fallen Texas Operator

Nearly 60 tow trucks gathered at Weslaco Stadium Saturday in Waslaco, Texas, in a powerful tribute to David Zapata, owner of Steel Towing, who was struck and killed Tuesday while securing a vehicle along the shoulder of IH-2 in Harlingen.

According to authorities, 28-year-old Cristobal Stephan Garzez was driving a white Dodge Ram westbound when he failed to slow down or move over, hitting Zapata. Garzez fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, and other offenses.

Fellow towers and community members lined the road leading to Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, honoring Zapata during his funeral procession.

“This really just hits home. It could’ve been any one of us,” said Hugo Salinas, a supervisor with Stealth Auto Recovery. “Tow trucks are emergency vehicles—treat them as such.”

His wife, Mayra, echoed the emotion. “This could’ve been my husband. It’s heartbreaking.”

The event served as both a farewell and a call to action to follow Move Over, Slow Down laws. Source: https://www.krgv.comhttps://www.valleycentral.com