HOUSTON – The tow truck operator who was hit and killed while helping a stranded driver on Saturday morning has been identified by family members.
Timothy Perkins, 33, was killed on Highway 290 near Pinemont in northwest Houston.
According to a spokesperson from AAA, he was hit around 2 a.m. while standing on the side of the road, loading the stranded driver’s vehicle onto his tow truck.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody else,” his brother, Darryl Perkins said.
Darryl Perkins can’t stop thinking about his brother Timothy. He says they have always been close.
“No matter what he’s going through and stuff, he’s just an amazing human being. He was always uplifting people and an amazing brother. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Darryl said.
Timothy worked as an independent tow truck driver for AAA. His family says he had been with the company for two years.
“We are still basically pretty numb,” his brother said. “We can’t really do much. Just trying to figure out who did it, and I just want to know to have some kind of peace.”
Law enforcement officers said the driver that hit the operator left the scene immediately afterward. Authorities have not released any information on that person.
The family is shaken up over the senseless tragedy that could have been avoided.
“Watch out for people on the roads,” his brother added. “Look after each other. It’s too much death too much tragedy for nothing. I just want everyone to cherish your loved ones. Make sure you tell people you love them and just, look after one another because there is too much going on for all of this to be happening.”
The family says Timothy was killed doing something he enjoyed and now, they’re praying for justice and answers.
“If anyone knows anything about this, please let us know,” Darryl said.
The stranded driver was not injured during the incident.
AAA released the following statement, saying in part:
“Deaths like these can be avoided if drivers slow down and move over to give tow truck operators the room they need to work safely. We can’t stress enough how important it is for drivers to pay attention so they have time to change lanes when they see AAA, an emergency responder, or simply anybody stopped along the side of the road.”
Contact HPD or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS if you have any information.