Tow truck driver killed on Thruway near Syracuse

MANLIUS, N.Y. — State police say a tow truck driver has been struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while assisting a motorist on the Thruway outside of Syracuse.

Troopers say 53-year-old Todd Young of Mattydale was helping a driver whose vehicle had broken down along Interstate 90's eastbound lanes when he was struck by a passing tractor-trailer late Sunday night in the town of Manlius, just east of Syracuse.

Police say the accident occurred around 11 p.m. about two miles east of Exit 34A.

Troopers say Young was employed by a Mattydale towing service. They say he was outside his tow truck while loading a disabled vehicle when he was struck.

Police say they ticketed the driver of the tractor-trailer for moving from a lane unsafely.

[Only admins are allowed to see this link]

Town of Manlius, NY -- State police this morning identified the tow truck operator who was killed in an accident late Sunday on the eastbound lane of the state Thruway east of Syracuse.

Todd S. Young, 53, of Mattydale, was loading a disabled vehicle shortly after 11 p.m. about a mile east of Interstate 481 in the town of Manlius when he was struck by a tractor trailer being driven by Kurt R. Brown, 40, of Herkimer, troopers said.

The Estes Express rig Brown was driving drifted onto the right shoulder of the highway, where it struck Young and the flatbed tow truck that Young was operating for Northern Lights Garage, Sgt. Nick Merritt said. Young was outside his vehicle when he was hit, Merritt said.

The Onondaga County Medical Examiner's office declared Young dead at the scene, Merritt said.

Brown was unhurt. He was ticketed for moving from a lane unsafely, Merritt said.

The driver Young was trying to help, Kevin Woloszyn, 20, of Delevan, also was unhurt, Merritt said.

Authorities closed the right lane of the highway around the accident. It likely will stay closed until early this afternoon, Merritt said.

[Only admins are allowed to see this link]

very sad to have to keep hearing this!!!!!

My Thoughts and Prayers to the family and friends.......