‘Hero’ Tow Truck Driver Killed by Falling Tree
[Background image by Oliver Cory]
As snow fell late on the day after Christmas, a Willow Creek man, 30-year-old Kevin Carlos Rodriguez, like many tow truck drivers was working hard pulling stuck travelers from ditches and out of icy roadways. Sadly, a tree fell striking and killing him.
A resident of the area brought his death to our attention calling Rodriguez’ death. “The community will miss him,” she told us. “[H]e is a hero.”
Samantha Karges, spokesperson for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, told us that at 11:05 p.m. on December 26, her department received information that an employee of a towing company had been struck by a tree in the area of the 3000 block of State Highway 96.
She said that Rodriguez was “reportedly helping pull stuck vehicles out of the snow in the area when he was fatally struck by a falling tree.”
She added, “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Mr. Rodriguez, who was taken too soon while assisting his community.”
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How sad. ?
RIP
he was my uncle it was very sad and me and my family got stuck in our house blocked by a tree without service for three months at our house and my mom was outside our truck trying to get a signal and when I heard about it because she got a signal I started to cry really hard it was not really easy for me to handle it his daughter hasiley my baby cousin was 1 at the time all I can say for you guys is that it was very very very sad :[
How incredibly sad that he lost his life helping others. What a guy! Condolences to his family and friends. I’m sure they lost a bright light in their lives.
Condolences to his family. Very sad
Yup. This is why PG&E and CalTrans wants to clear trees away from power lines and roadways.
PG&E does not want to clear trees so they cannot fall on tow truck operators in a massive snowstorm.
PG&E wants to clear trees so they have less liability for the costs of fires
Bozo and the Bear goin’ at it here ….
Uh-huh… PG&E is out there cutting out downed trees and repairing power lines right now.
Those lines you mentioned, should have been BURIED, LONG AGO!!!!!
Surely there exists technology that could much more easily locate where damage to lines has occured, facilitating repair.
Amazing how many instant experts on power lines have come out of the woodwork around here.
LOL!
Got a couple er… trillion dollars to do it ?
They’re almost there paying out lawsuits
Have you ever been out of your house? Do you have ANY idea how many thousands of miles through mountains you are talking about? The cost would be in the billions. Think harder.
With how fluid our ground is during the winter? Remember our fiber optic cable and the slide near garberville a few years ago? Imagine that being your power lines.
The earth is constantly moving up here. You can’t even put water lines underground. The vibration of the earth pulls the small rocks to any pipeline in the ground cutting through even strong steel. And they cant drill a pipeline the mountains are sold rock. Even if they could drill it, the earth would crack and shift and the line would break. It would be nice to put the lines in the ground but it just wouldn’t work.
Because they are kindhearted?
But the coyotes cries when they cut them down.
So sad. You earned your wings valiantly Kevin. RIP prayers to the family. ❤?
?
Thank you for your service Sir!!
I think we can call someone who risks personal safety while assisting others a hero without quotes or qualifications. Here’s to Kevin Carlos Rodriguez! I extend my condolences to those who knew and will miss him.
Roofers do that everyday. One of the most dangerous occupations, far more dangerous than being a police officer.
Our condolences to Kevin’s family and friends. Just heartbreaking. Mike and Melody.
So very sad. I am so very sorry that Mr. Rodriguez lost his life while helping people’s vehicles that were stuck on the snowy and icy roads. May he RIP. Condolences to his family and friends. I pray God will give them the love and courage to get through this difficult time. God Bless.
Condolences to the family of Mr Rodriguez.
Please change the quotes kym. This man is a HERO and the quotes make the post seem like it’s mocking him at first glance.
Agree
To me, the quotation marks make it seem like the author is quoting someone, because that’s what they are used for.
Genius, pure genius.
Thanks professor.
Tow Truck drivers are definitely working class heroes. There’s been occasions where I’ve been extremely glad to see them come to help .
Same with emergency plumbers?
Yes. People who steadfastly do their jobs through every impediment are heroes. Just not considered such by others who don’t think about it. You know, the ones expect the everything they want to magically appear as if it was their natural right to get water when they turn on the faucet. Or have the fire department or police show up to save them. Or have doctors and nurses treat them when they are injured or sick. Or have food on the shelves whenever it’s wanted.
Of course someone had to twist it around to talk about how the world is full of shitty ingrates who don’t appreciate “ hard work “ Could be projection.
Don’t recall one killed by environmental hazard. Please stay focused. Don’t drift.
It is especially sad to me when somebody dies from a falling tree or branch, it is such a random thing that can happen to any of us.
Many thanks to Kevin and the heroes like him who keep our country functioning when disaster hits and may he RIP.
Thoughts and prayers for the family, friends, and co-workers. Such a tragic accident.
How very sad. My condolences to his loved ones. RIP
Sincere condolences to his family. They must be devastated. He is a hero. Period. We have cut around 50 trees the last 2-3 days, with more falling all around as we cut. It’s extremely hazardous out here, fire and other crews still going in to people stranded all over. Mr Rodrigues lost his life helping others in danger while most were at home safe. Much respect.
Buddy’s lost a great driver, a great friend, a dedicated father. There are no words that can express the sadness our whole organization feels. Tow truck drivers are Real Heros everyday. It takes a special person with a loving helpful heart to do the job. Not many people can handle the job. Interrupted dinners, Interrupted nights. On scene with all emergency responders. We stabilize vehicles while people are extracted. We help so many people on a day to day basis. We aren’t numb to death. When the fatality involves people we don’t know. We are sad and meet family members at the worst moments of their lives. I can’t tell you how many times the public has said we were their Hero. It seems the word Hero is used alot. A hero is a real person who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength. Tow Truck drivers are Heros everyday. Often putting themselves in danger to help someone. A Hero was lost when we lost Kevin…….
Well said.
Amen to that and beautifully said! May God bring peace and help carry this families burden as they lean into him. Amen. ?
Well said! We got so many calls from community members commending his professionalism and kindness when they were in need. His warm personality and friendliness will be remembered. I will miss working with him, and seeing his smile every day. Thanks for being a Hero Kevin! We love you! You will never be forgotten!
I knew Kevin well. Can not express the sadness for his young family. Please keep any remarks on our lose and stop the useless ego talk. Go somewhere else. Please
https://www.facebook.com/donate/441033304310493/?fundraiser_source=external_url
Keven was an amazing person he will be missed by so many people. A great friend a great person and a loving father, out doing what we do helping peaple in need of help i can’t believe something like this would happen to someone like him. It seems like the best peaple are always taken to soon. I’m so sorry for his family. Ill miss u lots bro
its spelled Kevin
Kevin was a really good guy who perished performing his occupation as an emergency tow truck driver. He was too young to be taken so suddenly. He leaves behind his six-month-old daughter, along with many family members who also live in Willow Creek. You just never know what the world has planned for you when you step out your door. He will truly be missed; the world seems to be a little lesser without his humor and big heart. Peace be with you, my friend.
scott ,,she turned a year in nov..
Power lines had nothing to do with this loss of a great soldier, person, lover and father. The guy’s at buddy’s risk life everyday. Securing cars that have driven or been pushed off the road hanging from trees so people can be extracted dead or alive. These guys are heroes on the daily, so please give them the respect deserved. Especially the fallen. Without them the fire department and EMT’s wouldn’t even be able to help you.
i would think its rude to post something like this with out speaking to his family you know mom brothers etc. other then just it was brought to our atten, and confirmed by chp…
You think Mr. Rodriguez’ family is unhappy that he was called a hero?
no I DO NOT. I JUST THINK PERHAPES YOU SHOULD HAVE SPOKE WITH THEM, BEFORE POSTING IS ALL… These guys are badass and do AMAZING THINGS FOR PEOPLE EVERYDAY. it is a blind side we you see such things in the paper and to hear family was not spoke to and what article ..see what i mean?
Let me get this straight…without speaking to the family…you posted a complaint about me not speaking to the family?
email mail me any time… i am family!!! have you spoken to anyone ?? i am just sharing a little food for thought is all. might not have been taken so hard, my his mother if, she knew you printed this!! i am not making waves, just thoughts
i am family
Bill, I am sorry if I caused the family any pain. My impression was from the person who asked me to cover the story that at least some of the family were happy the story was done.