Springfield,IL : Authorities ID tow-truck driver killed in crash on I-72 on December, Friday 1st 2017

A tow-truck driver who was working to load a disabled vehicle onto his truck was killed Friday after he was struck by another vehicle along Interstate 72 in Springfield.

The driver, Ronald E. Chaney, 56, of Springfield was standing outside of his truck at 9:48 a.m. on the right shoulder of I-72 westbound between the MacArthur Boulevard and Veterans Parkway exits when, for an unknown reason, a Jeep utility vehicle veered to the right, striking the disabled car and the tow-truck driver, Illinois State Police said.

The Jeep, driven by Janay L. Sheperd, 21, of Peoria, proceeded to roll over onto its top before skidding to a stop on the shoulder.

Chaney was pronounced dead at the scene, the Sangamon County coroner’s office said.

Sheperd was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, where she was listed in good condition on Friday afternoon.

Shane McDermith, owner of Shaner’s Towing in Springfield, said Friday’s crash shows how dangerous their job can be.

“You always have to keep an eye on the oncoming traffic because they sure don’t keep their eyes on you,” McDermith said. “It’s a very, very dangerous occupation.”

McDermith said they follow towing-related news online, and the are routinely reading about tow truck operators being injured or killed on the job.

Source :
Authorities ID tow-truck driver killed in crash on I-72