Owensboro Tow Truck Operator David Fischer Killed on I-165 While Assisting Disabled Vehicle as Driver Faces Manslaughter Charges

 The Owensboro, Kentucky community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of David Fischer, a devoted tow truck operator who was tragically killed while assisting a stranded driver along Interstate 165 on the morning of March 11, 2026. His sudden death has left family members, coworkers, and residents across the region deeply shaken as they remember a man who dedicated his work to helping others in moments of roadside distress.

According to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received a call just before 7:00 a.m. reporting a pedestrian who had been struck in the 6020 block of I-165 near the Daviess and Ohio county line. Authorities say Fischer had been helping a disabled semi-truck that was parked on the shoulder of the highway when a southbound semi-truck struck him. First responders quickly arrived at the scene, but Fischer was tragically pronounced dead there.

Officials confirmed that the driver of the disabled semi was unharmed in the incident. Law enforcement later detained the driver of the moving semi-truck, identified as Suk Subba, 31, of Antioch, Tennessee. Authorities have charged him with manslaughter, wanton endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. The case remains under investigation as officials continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

For Fischer’s family, the loss is deeply personal and painful. In a heartfelt statement shared after the tragedy, relatives described the devastating moment their lives changed. They said their beloved uncle died in a horrific hit-and-run while simply doing his job — helping someone in need. Their message also highlighted the dangers faced by tow truck operators and roadside workers every day as they risk their lives to keep highways safe for others.

Beyond his work, David Fischer was remembered as a compassionate and devoted family man. His loved ones described him as someone who carried a huge heart for both people and animals. He had a lifelong love for cats and, over the years, cared for hundreds of them, often going out of his way to provide food, shelter, and protection for animals that needed help.

Family members say Fischer also took great pride in his towing business, a job he approached with dedication and responsibility. Helping stranded motorists was not just work for him — it was a way to serve others in their moments of difficulty. His willingness to step in when someone needed assistance earned him respect from customers, coworkers, and members of the local community.

At the center of his life was his family. Fischer’s wife, Barbara, and his children, Jennifer and Jason, meant everything to him. Loved ones say he frequently spoke about them with pride and gratitude, always putting his family first and cherishing the time they spent together.

In the wake of his passing, many in the Owensboro area have expressed condolences and shared memories of Fischer’s kindness and dedication. His death has also sparked renewed conversations about the dangers roadside workers face while performing their duties along busy highways.

David Fischer’s tragic death serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of road safety laws designed to protect those working on the roadside. His family is urging drivers everywhere to slow down and move over when emergency lights are flashing. They hope that by spreading this message, future tragedies can be prevented and the lives of other roadside workers can be protected.

Though his life ended far too soon, those who knew David Fischer say his legacy will live on through the countless acts of kindness he showed to others, the animals he cared for, and the love he shared with his family. His memory will remain deeply rooted in the hearts of the Owensboro community.