Vigil for Downed Tower in Fla.

A vigil was held Monday night to remember 30-year-old tower Carlos Betancourt, who was killed while stopping to help a motorist in Orange Park, Fla on interstate 295 around 2:40 a.m. on Sunday.  

Troopers said Betancourt and the driver he stopped to help were standing near the tow truck parked on the left shoulder, partially blocking the left travel lane, when they were struck by a sport-utility vehicle. 

The impact sent the SUV careening into a concrete barrier. 

Betancourt died at the scene, according to FHP, and the 19-year-old driver he stopped to help was taken to an area hospital where he too was pronounced dead. 

Betancourt’s brother Kevin described him as the “best brother, son and friend.” Friends said the small business owner also beat cancer twice. 

“I woke up to it and my heart sank,” said Max Williams, a friend. 

During the vigil, dozens of tow trucks were lined up together with their lights on. A flag reminding drivers to move over was draped over a truck. 

A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation underscored the importance of obeying the state’s “move over” law, which requires drivers to change lanes when passing emergency vehicles. 

https://www.news4jax.com/