Procession of tow trucks honors driver killed on the job

More than 150 tow trucks and other vehicles traveled south on the 215 Freeway Saturday in tribute to a colleague. Photos courtesy of Steve Westberg

Residents who saw a procession of tow trucks south on the 215 Freeway Saturday may not have realized they were watching a tribute by tow truck drivers to one of their own.

Kyle Crull, 28, of Wildomar was struck by an alleged drunk driver while he was assisting the driver of a disabled vehicle on the southbound freeway off-ramp at Temecula Parkway about 11:30 p.m. Oct. 20, according to the California Highway Patrol. Crull, who worked for DJ's Towing in Temecula, had responded to a call for assistance and was standing next to the vehicle when he was struck by another vehicle. He was pronounced dead at Inland Valley Regional Medical Center a short time later.

Beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. in Menifee, more than 150 tow trucks and other vehicles drove south on the 215 Freeway to Temecula in a funeral procession followed by a memorial service. One of the trucks carried the casket, draped in an American flag.

"It was amazing how everyone came together," said Steve Westberg, who manages West Tow in Menifee and drove in the procession.

A GoFundMe website established to help care for Crull's daughter had raised $10,400 by Monday morning. According to the website, "Kyle was a brother and family member of the tow industry ... Whether you can donate $1 or $1000, this is going to help his daughter. Kyle loved his daughter and talked about her constantly. She was everything to him and we need to make sure she is taken care of."

The website can be accessed here.

Danika Lee McGetrick, 19, was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence, causing injury or death. She was booked and released after posting $75,000 bail and is due in court Dec. 15.

There will also be a fundraiser Nov. 12 at Pits N Pockets Entertainment, 32250 Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore, from 8-10:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and a raffle will also be held to raise funds for the family.

Photos and flowers are left next to a tow truck carrying Kyle Crull's casket in a Saturday memorial service