In the early morning hours of October 8, 22-year-old Darryl Brooks III died tragically in a car accident, leaving his mother, Melinda Cruz-Brooks, and the community devastated.
Brooks, who drove a tow truck, pulled over on the Florida Turnpike to assist someone whose vehicle had broken down.
While Brooks’ focus was on helping a fellow driver, a 2002 Ford F-250 charged down the roadway, eventually swerved onto the shoulder of the Turnpike, and collided into Brooks’ truck. Brooks was taken to Broward Health Medical Center where he sadly died as a result of his injuries.
Florida Highway Patrol has not yet released information regarding injuries sustained by anyone else.
Although the investigation is ongoing, initial findings indicate that alcohol was a factor in the erratic driving of the 42-year-old who drove the Ford truck.
“Somebody else’s stupid mistake,” said Cruz-Brooks. “You wanted to drive drunk and did not know that you were taking somebody that was loved and was just trying to help someone that was on the side of the road.” Via Local10.com
It’s a troubling set of circumstances that led to Brooks’ death, and his actions during what ended up being the final moments of his life should continue to be honored.
The professionals at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath express our heartfelt condolences to Brooks’ family and friends. In the case that an event like this happens to you on the road, please call us at (561) 655-1990.
