La Plata Tow Truck Operator Joseph Skinner Killed in Loading Accident

Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, died on Friday afternoon in La Plata, Maryland, when the rollback bed of his tow truck moved forward while he was loading an SUV. The SUV rolled and struck him, causing fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite bystander assistance and emergency response.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, with PFC D. Walker of the Traffic Operations Unit leading the inquiry. Officials have not yet disclosed whether mechanical failure or other factors caused the unexpected movement of the tow truck.

The accident highlights the high occupational fatality risk in the towing industry, which records a fatality rate about 15 times the average for private sectors.