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Missoula tow truck drivers to pay tribute to operators killed in storm

Online fund raisers for fallen Billings-area tow truck drivers smash initial goals
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MISSOULA — Missoula area tow truck operators will gather Friday to pay special tribute to the two men killed when trying to work in the weekend storm on I-90.

Nicholas Ryan Visser, 37, of Billings and William Casie Allen, 28, of Reed Point were killed Sunday evening when they were working to recover a disabled vehicle east of Columbus.

State troopers say the pair from Hanser's Automotive in Billings were struck by a passing truck and trailer that pulled out to pass a slowing semi, striking Visser and Allen's trucks.

The early season accident has renewed a call for drivers to slow down and watch for emergency workers, especially in snowy, low visibility conditions.

Missoula tow truck operations will be gathering at 6:45 p.m. on Friday in front of the former Lucky's Market store at Southgate Mall to pay tribute to the men.

The drivers will turn on all their lights to draw attention to the deaths as well as the need for winter driving safety.