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Tow Truck Driver Killed Trying To Right Big Rig Dangling Off I-95

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BOCA RATON (CBSMiami) – A tow truck driver died while trying to right an overturned tractor-trailer which dangled off the edge of I-95 in Palm Beach County during the morning commute.

Adrian Figueredo, 38, who drives for JJR Transport and Logistics, was exiting southbound I-95 at Congress Avenue around 5:30 a.m. when, for some reason, he went over the median.

"The driver, somehow, instead of making a right-hand turn went over the median and lost control and partially overturned on the side wall of the bridge that goes over 95," said Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky.

The accident snarled traffic at the interchange.

About an hour later, tow truck driver Richard Randolph, from Emerald Towing, showed up to help.

"He stepped over the wall to a ledge, there's a ledge probably 30 to 40 feet long and 20 feet wide and evidently he was preparing the trailer to be up-righted when he stepped off the ledge," said Wysocky.

The tow truck driver fell to his death on I-95 below.

"When everybody's gone today then it's going to hit me," said his widow Judy Randolph. "I know, that he's not coming home today. And I don't like it."

The two have been married for 35 years and between them had 10 children, 23 grandchildren and five great grandchildren with a sixth on the way.

Judy Randolph said they had a daily ritual before Richard Randolph left for work.

"Just precious man and every day when he leaves we give each other two hugs and he'll always say, 'If you're going anywhere today, Punkin', you make sure you're safe.' And I said, 'I promise.' And then I say to him, 'You're out there all the time, you make sure you're safe.' He said, 'I will.' And then we hug each other again and then he goes to work," said remembers with a smile.

That tragic death, along with the truck hanging dangerously over the wall brought the morning commute to a near a standstill.

"Almost an hour in 95, and it's crawling. It's really terrible. We didn't know there was an accident ahead," said Muni Bershaud.

More than five hours later, the truck was righted and removed from the overpass and traffic began moving again on the interstate below.

Figueredo has been charged with driving beyond the 11 hour limit in a 14 hour period and fatigue.

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