This article was published previously on CambridgeToday.
The tow truck community – and the community as a whole – is coming together for a tow truck operator from Guelph, after a crash that will forever change his life.
Over $39,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe fundraiser for Dylan Deering, as of early Tuesday afternoon.
Deering, who now lives in Ayr, was seriously injured on the side of the road last Friday.
Waterloo regional police say he was struck by a pickup truck while outside of his vehicle on Trussler Road. He was in the midst of assisting a disabled vehicle, which was also struck by the pickup.
He was airlifted to a London hospital, where he has had two surgeries, with more to come.
“It’s going to be a long road ahead,” said Leigh-Anne Hurren, co-owner of Aggressive Towing, Deering’s employer.
Among Deering’s injuries are a neck fracture, and critical injuries below the waist.
There is a possibility Deering could lose both of his legs.
On top of dealing with the financial aftermath of the crash, Deering has a girlfriend and a three-month old daughter. With that, Hurren said there are extra costs involved, from babysitting, appointments, travel, food and much more.
“We have people that are bringing diapers and wipes and formula, on top of the GoFundMe,” she said, adding other initiatives are ongoing, including a different towing company running a drive to fill a pickup truck with baby necessities.
“It’s one thing about the towing industry, it’s that when it’s one of their own, it’s like a brother to them,” Hurren said.
A reaction to what is a tragic situation for the Deering family, and the 31-year-old’s towing compatriots.
“It was definitely an eye opener for everyone in the company,” Hurren said. “The morale that day was rough. It’s still rough.”
Police say charges are anticipated in the crash.
Deering suffered the most serious of injuries, but a 54-year-old woman and 14-year-old male were also sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Those two were the occupants of the disabled vehicle Deering was assisting.
Hurren said it serves as a reminder to follow the move-over law, and give tow truck operators the room they need to do their jobs.
“These people have families,” she said. “They’re putting their lives at stake to help others. If you can help them by just even moving over, that gets everyone home every night.”
