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Injured tow truck driver gets moving tribute as he recovers in hospital

Crews remind drivers to move over when they see flashing lights

ORLANDO, Fla. – After a tow truck worker was critically injured in Orlando, a group of tow trucks came to brighten his night.

Earlier this week, a car plowed through several emergency vehicles that were blocking an exit on State Road 408 as crews worked on the roadway.

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The car hit Austin Gayne, who works for Johnson’s Wrecker, and a mechanic.

“They had the cones, they had all the barriers they’re supposed to be in place for these types of things,” Eric Lucas, Account Manager with Johnson’s Wrecker said. “Somehow, someway the car still made it beyond these to still strike Austin.”

Gayne was treated to a special drive-by Wednesday night during his stay in the ICU.

A fleet of tow trucks drove by the hospital to show their support for their fellow worker as he works on recovering from his injuries.

“He’s not out of the woods yet, but everybody here is pulling for him. We’ve got our fingers crossed and we’re willing to do whatever it takes at this point,” Lucas added. “We all showed up down there to make sure Austin knew that we fully supported him and we’re pulling for him.”

According to Lucas, all types of tow truck companies showed up.

“Even the fire department, they were involved, and it just shows that when humanity’s involved, somehow we show up,” Lucas said.

The tow truck drivers are hoping that their efforts will help drivers to follow Florida’s “Move Over” law.

The mechanic and the driver of the car were also injured and taken to the hospital.

“Everybody deserves to go home after work. You shouldn’t go to work and end up not going home. because of somebody who didn’t just take a second to get over,” Lucas said.


About the Authors
Mark Lehman headshot

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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