Officials identify tow truck driver killed in I-5 collision in Milton while on the job
A man who was fatally struck by a semi truck on the side of northbound Interstate 5 while he secured a vehicle to his tow truck was identified Monday by the Pierce County medical examiner.
Joseph Masterson, 49, died Feb. 15 of multiple blunt force injuries, the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office said in a news release. The office ruled his death an accident.
Masterson was struck on the interstate at about 6:22 a.m. just south of Porter Way, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Officials said he was on the right shoulder securing a vehicle when a semi truck veered to the right and hit him.
The 65-year-old semi truck driver who hit Masterson was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Washington State Patrol troopers said a vehicle homicide investigation would be forwarded to the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Court records show he has not yet been charged.
Masterson worked for Fife Service & Towing for six years, according to a GoFundMe started by his employer to help the man’s family with expenses following his death. Tow truck operators gathered at the Tacoma Mall on Friday to honor Masterson, flying American flags from truck cranes.
The man’s father, Bill Masterson, told FOX 13 his son was a caring man who “loved just about everybody.”
A cross adorned with a safety vest and surrounded by flowers was placed on the side of Interstate 5 where Masterson was killed.
This story was originally published March 1, 2022 at 12:43 PM.
