Troy Caldwell Obituary, Death – A truck driver has been charged in Kentucky after allegedly striking and killing a tow truck driver while watching YouTube on a tablet. The incident occurred on Interstate 64 in Bath County on Wednesday evening.
According to Kentucky State Police, the tow truck driver, identified as 54-year-old Troy Caldwell, was in the process of loading a vehicle onto his rollback tow truck when a westbound semitruck hit him. Unfortunately, Caldwell was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Following the incident, authorities arrested the semitruck driver, 29-year-old Shodmon Yuldashev from Brooklyn, New York. The arrest citation indicated that officers discovered a tablet on Yuldashev’s dashboard, leading them to believe he was actively watching YouTube videos when the collision took place. In an attempt to conceal his actions, Yuldashev reportedly tried to turn off the tablet and hide it during the police investigation. As a result, he faces a charge of tampering with physical evidence.
Caldwell’s family and friends remember him as a dedicated and reliable individual who was always ready to lend a helping hand. Fellow tow truck driver Bubba Johnson described Caldwell as an “upstanding guy” who was passionate about his work. Johnson, who had known Caldwell for many years, emphasized that he was someone others in the towing industry could depend on to make the right choices.
Johnson fondly recalled Caldwell’s commitment to safety, stating, “He was ‘Mr. Safety.’ I mean, he was always double-checking and re-checking, always decked out in fluorescent gear. He was the one you’d want to be the front man for your safety meeting.” This highlights Caldwell’s dedication not only to his job but also to ensuring the safety of those around him.
Morehead Police Chief Derrick Blevins also shared his sentiments about Caldwell, recalling him as a kind-hearted individual willing to go the extra mile. “Troy’s just a nice guy, always willing to do anything that you asked him to do. He’d go above and beyond on accident scenes, so it’s a tough loss for everybody,” Blevins stated.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Caldwell’s death underscore the dangers that tow truck drivers face while working on the roads. His loved ones are now grappling with the loss of a man who was not only dedicated to his profession but also cherished by those who knew him. The investigation into the incident continues, highlighting the serious consequences of distracted driving, especially when it involves a large vehicle on the highway.
The case has drawn attention to the need for increased awareness regarding the hazards of distracted driving. Caldwell’s death serves as a somber reminder of the risks that drivers face every day, especially those working in roadside assistance, who often find themselves in vulnerable positions while serving others.