Local tow truck operator dies working crash on I-20

At 9:21 p.m. Friday, an MHP Trooper was working on a one vehicle crash on I-20 westbound at the 11 mile marker near Bovina while attempting to remove a vehicle from the roadway that was involved in a previous crash in the westbound lane.

Another vehicle, a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, that was also traveling westbound, lost control of the icy roadway and collided with the tow truck, striking the tow truck operator.  The tow truck operator, identified as George Spratley Jr., 44 of Bovina, died as a result of his injuries.

The driver and passenger of the Toyota Tacoma were not injured.  The crash is currently under investigation by the MHP and more information will be released pending the outcome.