CARENCRO, La. — Tow trucks traveled from across the state to pay respect to Shannon Thibodeaux, the tow trucker killed in the I-49 crash last week.
"When one of us falls, it's a brotherhood. When one of us falls, it's felt throughout the entire industry," said Dylan Goings, a fellow towman.
On Monday afternoon, after family and friends laid Shannon Thibodeaux to rest, tow truck drivers from near and far said their goodbyes one last time in a single ride traveling a single route through the town of Carencro.
"We are all coming together to say goodbye to a brother whether we knew him or not," said Goings.
Dylan Goings is one of the few dozens of towmen who traveled to attend the service and procession.
"I traveled from Lake Charles, Louisiana," said Goings.
He says Thibodeaux's passing is a reality check, and it could have been any of them.
"I am just at a loss of words just at how close to home this is," said Goings.
Former co-workers from Gerald's Towing in Scott also in attendance.
"Shannon worked with us," said Miranda Hebert with Gerald's Towing.
She said goodbye to her friend and recalled countless memories with her colleagues.
"I went on a few calls with him and my husband; Shannon, he was a character. Anything he could make fun of or laugh at, he would make it easy," said Hebert.
Leading the final ride was R & R towing.
"Everybody will definitely miss him," said Tim Brasseaux, Shannon's former colleague and friend.
"It's overwhelming but satisfying to know that the entire towing company can come together as a family," said Hebert.
"He was that puzzle piece of the family that needed to be there, and he finished the puzzle piece for the family," said Brasseaux.
"He will never be forgotten. From the bottom of my heart to all the Tow community that was out here with us today, from my family to yours, we truly appreciate it," said Troy Thibodeaux, Shannon's father.
Although his death was tragic and no one wanted this, I learned something. Cherish your time with your people because you never know. I wish I had more time." said Landon Hulett, Shannon's son.
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