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Hundreds join somber procession honoring tow truck driver killed on job

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Hundreds of tow trucks lined the streets of North Andover Wednesday to honor a fallen colleague.

Massachusetts State Police say tow truck driver Danny Coady was killed on 495 last week when he was hit by an alleged drunk driver.

Hundreds of fellow drivers joined a procession to pay their respects as Coady's casket took one final drive.

"It's a brotherhood, it really is," said tow truck driver Ross Taylor.

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Tow trucks and emergency responders have gathered in North Andover to pay respects to a tow truck driver killed on the side of 495

Posted by Boston 25 News on Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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Brian Winters has been friends with Coady for more than two decades. He still can't believe the father of two is gone.

"He could go anywhere and he could make a friend with anybody. He was just one of those people," said Winters. "He just was such a great guy, and I’m gonna miss him a lot. A lot of people are gonna miss him a lot."

Drivers say it's been different in the days since Coady died.

"I think about it all the time. If I’m on a highway call, my eyes are constantly on the road," said Taylor.

>> MORE: Hundreds honor tow truck driver killed in Andover crash

If nothing else, they hope Coady's death brings awareness to the state's Move Over law.

"If all this does is prevent one more accident from happening, one more driver from getting hurt, it’s worth it," said Sam Greenberg.

The Statewide Towing Association is collecting donations for Coady's two sons.