Woman Who Witnessed Hit-and-Run Honors Tow Truck Driver in Poem

A woman who was being assisted by a tow truck driver when he was struck and killed in hit-and-run crash on Pacific Coast Highway posted a poem Tuesday honoring the man.

Katherine Cimorelli wrote that she was on the side of Pacific Coast Highway when the tow truck driver, Ronald Carver, 45, of Newbury Park, was struck and killed by a silver Audi, whose driver kept going. Jill Rose, 44, of Santa Monica is accused of driving under the influence in the hit and run crash. Rose will likely face vehicular manslaughter and other charges. (Read more about the crash here.)

Cimorelli posted a poem about the crash on her blog, Sonnets and Scribbles, writing: "I wrote this poem when I got home last night, and it's dedicated to the tow truck driver. May he rest in peace, cradled safely in the love of our Father."

Here is the poem:

I watched you die tonight.

I didn't know you more
Than three or four sentences
Just casual words exchanged,
"What happened to the car?"
"Where would you like it towed?"
You smiled, simply, kindly
Just doing your job
Just helping out a frightened girl
On the side of a dangerous highway.

I heard the noise
I did not see the car
What was she thinking?
How could she leave you there,
Speeding off in a frantic hurry like that?

It must have been Fear, I decide.

All I remember were
The golden headlights
As I leapt in front of
Countless cars
Screaming, screaming,
"Stop! Stop!"
I pointed at your body
I did not dare to go too close.

The ambulance came.
They lit the flares.
The paramedic approached me-
"He's passed."
"Just five deep breaths."
"It's out of your control."

And I learned tonight
You cannot buy a Life
With unceasing sobs
And helpless prayers of pleading.
So I'm left to say,
Rest now, sir,
In the arms of the One who loves you most.
I asked Him to give you
His deepest place of Love
I asked Him to care for
Your grieving family

I never got to meet your brother
Who, I overheard,
Was on his way
So all I have
Is your full name
R.L.C
I'll carry it forever with me.

Read the full blog post at kathcim.blogspot.com.