Hilton Head Island, October 2, 2025

News Summary

Floyd Crespo, a tow truck operator with over 20 years of experience, was tragically killed in a roadside collision on Hilton Head Island. The incident raised concerns about the safety of roadside workers and the enforcement of the ‘move over law’ in South Carolina, which aims to protect emergency service providers. A truck procession is planned to honor Crespo’s memory, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and compliance with road safety rules.

Hilton Head Island

Floyd Crespo, a 42-year-old tow truck operator from Effingham, Georgia, was killed in a roadside collision on Hilton Head Island. The tragic incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Crespo had just lifted a semi-truck off a curb near Main Street and was moving his wrecker toward a nearby parking lot to reopen the roadway when the accident took place.

While standing at the control compartment of his wrecker and rolling in the cables, the semi-truck he had just recovered turned around in the traffic circle and swiped his wrecker. This collision pinned Crespo between the two vehicles, leading to fatal injuries. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene, as stated by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.

Crespo was a valued employee of Rahn’s Wrecker Service, having worked there for over three years with more than 20 years of experience in the towing industry. The company described Crespo as “one of the hardest working team members” they ever had. To honor his memory, a truck procession is planned for Wednesday morning at Thomas C. Strickland and Sons Funeral Home in Rincon, followed by a memorial service at Freedom Park.

The towing company labeled the incident as a “senseless accident” and used it as a call to action for drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and workers, including tow truck operators. The crash comes during a period of heightened awareness and enforcement of the “move over law” in South Carolina, a law that aims to protect emergency responders on the road after recent incidents of law enforcement officers being struck by vehicles during traffic stops.

In fact, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety has been conducting a statewide crackdown on the move over law, issuing nearly 18,000 citations for violations within a five-day period. Additionally, less than a month prior to Crespo’s death, another tow truck driver, Eric “P.K.” Albertson, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while assisting a customer in Jasper County.

In response to Crespo’s death, many tow truck drivers and law enforcement personnel gathered to honor him while advocating for road safety measures. His extensive work history included relocating from New Jersey to join Rahn’s Wrecker Service, highlighting his dedication to the profession.

Crespo’s death was reported by the South Carolina Highway Patrol as a pedestrian fatality. However, this classification obscured the significant safety concerns affecting roadside assistance providers. An ongoing study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety points to the lack of distinction in reporting when roadside assistance providers are struck, complicating efforts to improve safety for these workers.

Key Facts Summary

• Deceased: Floyd Crespo, 42, Effingham, Georgia
• Incident Date: September 25, 2025
• Employer: Rahn’s Wrecker Service
• Years of Experience: Over 20 years in towing
• Actions Taken: Truck procession and memorial planned
• Move Over Law: Enforcement increased in South Carolina
• Recent Incidents: Eric “P.K.” Albertson struck by hit-and-run driver

Conclusion

Floyd Crespo’s untimely death serves as a tragic reminder of the critical need for road safety awareness, especially for those who provide vital services on our highways. The hope is that such incidents will foster greater compliance with protective laws designed to safeguard emergency workers and tow truck operators.

FAQ

Key Features Summary

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Wrecker Service Employee on Hilton Head Island

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Fatal Incident on Hilton Head Island
• Wikipedia: Road Safety
• WTOC: Tow Truck Drivers Honor Fallen Comrade
• Google Search: Roadside Assistance Safety
• WTOC: Wrecker Service Speaks Out
• Google Scholar: Emergency Vehicle Safety
• Island Packet: Crime Report Following Accident
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
• Fox News: Shark Incident Report
• Google News: Move Over Law South Carolina
• Bluffton Today: Changes to Towing Rules

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.