Tow Truck Driver Killed in DUI Crash

A tow truck driver was killed after an accident caused by a suspected drunk driver on the 405 Freeway early Sunday morning in Signal Hill.

According to local police reports, the crash took place at around 2 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the freeway near Cherry Avenue, where 27 year old Faapuna “Mack” Manu was assisting a disabled Merced Benz, filling a spare tire.

While on the shoulder of the highway, a passing vehicle driven by 26 year old Raymond Hurley, a resident of Los Angeles, lost control and crashed into Manu and his truck, killing him at the scene. Two passengers inside the downed Mercedes were not hurt.

“The last text that he did text me was, ‘I love you,’ and I texted him back, ‘I love you, too,’” said Tarina Guess, Manu’s fiancée. “Nothing can express how I feel. We have three kids together… We were trying to save all our money to have a nice, big wedding for the family together.”

At the accident site, police arrested Hurley and booked him into a local jail on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. A court date has not been set to receive his formal charges.

Along with his work as a tow truck driver, Manu was also a rap artist, and former semi-pro football player. “He was an extraordinary guy, whatever he did he did a good job at,” said longtime friend Reginald Hughes. “He was the guy to be around; he was a lot of fun. It’s going to be tough this holiday without him,” added Michael Harris, his cousin.

His mother also added that “Every day when he’d go to work he’d come to me so I could give him his blessing before he went to work. Then we all got kisses before he left.”

If you or someone you know has been seriously hurt in an accident caused by a driver under the influence such as this, you should seek help. Through the assistance of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer, compensation can be recovered to pay for things like medical bills, car repair payments, hospital visits, and even replace wages lost from time spent away from work.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we lead you through the complicated legal process and get you the full amount that you are rightfully owed. We understand the dangers you face on California’s crowded and dangerous roads, both as legal professionals and as citizens who share the same roads and live in the same neighborhoods.

As always, we will not charge you anything for our legal services until your case is won. Call us right away for a free evaluation and to learn what our accident lawyers can do for you!

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