Tow trucks line up to pay respects to driver killed while helping to clear I-85 crash

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Dozens of tow trucks, police vehicles and fire trucks drove through the streets of Newnan to remember a tow truck driver who was killed on Interstate 85.

Toby Bowden died on March 15 while helping with an accident on I-85 northbound near mile marker 70. Georgia State Patrol said an impaired driver was driving too fast, lost control to avoid hitting the fire engines and hit Bowden.

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On Thursday, family and friends gathered to remember Bowden at a memorial service. NewsChopper 2 flew high above the funeral procession to Oak Hill Cemetery on Thursday afternoon.

Bowden’s fellow tow truck drivers lined up in solidarity in the procession. Officials also draped American flags through the streets of downtown Newnan. Bowden served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, according to his obituary.

He is survived by his son, his mother, his fiancé Misty Wright and her two children.

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Two GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up for the Bowden family by one of his co-workers at Parker’s Towing and another by his fiancé's co-workers at Interstate Truck Equipment.

“Toby was much more than just an employee to us, he was part of our family. He was also much more than just a Heavy Duty Tow Truck Operator. He was a very caring father, son, marine, brother, and soon to be husband just to name a few,” co-worker Jeremy Young wrote.

“He left behind a fiancé who will now face the world alone without him and she needs tremendous love, support, and assistance to pick up the pieces,” Wright’s co-workers wrote.

GSP identified the driver as 31-year-old Christopher Thornton.

He faces charges of first-degree vehicle homicide, move-over law violation, reckless driving, driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and going too fast for conditions.

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