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Accident Kills Tow Truck Driver

By WBFO News

Buffalo, NY – A tow truck operator is dead, and the driver of an SUV is facing charges after a fatal accident on the southbound I-190 in Tonawanda early Wednesday morning.

Police say the tow truck was being hooked to a disabled vehicle on the shoulder when the SUV apparently came by on the shoulder, sideswiping the disabled vehicle and striking the tow truck operator. The victim, Kevin Coffta, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was employed by Marty's Towing Service on Grand Island.

The SUV was driven by David Brown, 64, of Cheektowaga. His vehicle flipped several times before landing on its roof near the median.

Troopers plan to charge Brown with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

The accident resulted in the closing of the 190 at the Sheridan-Kenmore exit, delaying the morning commute. It re-opened around 10am.