A solemn procession, two hundred strong, wound its way along Highway 401 on Saturday. It wasn’t a celebration, but a heartbreaking tribute – a final farewell to a fellow tow truck operator lost while serving others.
The 42-year-old man, a resident of Kitchener, was struck and killed in the early hours of December 3rd. He was assisting a stranded motorist on the busy highway, east of Woodstock, when a driver failed to stop, leaving him to die at the scene. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the close-knit towing community.
Vehicles travelled from across Ontario – Parry Sound, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Huntsville, Sarnia, and London – converging to honour the fallen driver. It was a display of solidarity, a silent promise to remember a life cut short.
“This is a rite of respect,” explained Gary Vandenheuvel, president of the Professional Towing Association of Ontario. “It’s something we do for each other, a way to acknowledge the inherent risks we all face every day.”
Police quickly identified a suspect vehicle and driver following the incident, though the victim’s name was initially withheld. He has since been identified as Kaveh Bigdeli, a valued member of the Majesty Towing team.
The circumstances surrounding Bigdeli’s death are particularly poignant. He was originally from out of the country, and his body has been returned home, adding another layer of grief to an already devastating loss.
For those who spend their days on the roadside, assisting motorists in often dangerous conditions, the tragedy resonated deeply. Vandenheuvel, a 30-year veteran, spoke for many when he said every operator has experienced a near miss.
“We’re constantly aware of the danger,” he confessed. “That fear – the fear of the phone call, the fear of not coming home – it’s always there. When something like this happens, it hits incredibly close to home.”
Bigdeli’s death serves as a stark reminder of Ontario’s Move Over law, a critical safety measure often overlooked. As winter weather descends and calls for assistance increase, the need for driver awareness is paramount.
“We’re out here working to keep the roads clear,” Vandenheuvel emphasized. “All we ask is that people slow down and move over. We want to go home to our families, just like everyone else.”
The law mandates drivers to slow down and move over a lane when passing emergency vehicles, including tow trucks. Failure to comply can result in fines, demerit points, and even license suspension. More severe consequences, including criminal charges, apply if a roadside worker is injured or killed.
Fadi Ibrahim, a seasoned towing operator with over 25 years of experience, echoed the call for caution. He expressed his deepest condolences to the family and the entire towing community, urging drivers to prioritize safety.
“Every time I leave for work, there’s a question in my mind,” Ibrahim admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. “Will I return home? I need to provide for my family, but I also need to stay safe. Please, leave us that empty lane. Let us get home alive.”
The procession wasn’t just a farewell; it was a plea – a desperate call for respect, for awareness, and for a commitment to ensuring that no more families endure this kind of heartbreak.
