PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER, RAUL C. PEREZ, JR. POSTHUMOUSLY NAMED TCA HIGHWAY ANGEL

05/01/2012
Alexandria, Virginia

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has learned of a professional truck driver who was killed while attempting to help an accident victim. To honor this Good Samaritan, the organization has bestowed Highway Angel status upon the late Raul C. Perez, Jr., who drove for Aquatic Trucking Co., of Lancaster, Texas.

On February 12, 2012, at about 6:45 p.m., Perez was headed westbound on I-20 near Clyde, Texas. The roads were icy, and Perez saw that an accident had recently taken place. The 33-year old driver parked his truck just off the roadway and walked to the disabled vehicle to check on its occupants. As he was returning to his truck, an older woman driving west struck the disabled vehicle, and then hit Perez. The driver was taken to the hospital, but, tragically, did not survive.

“Raul was a great person and an excellent employee,” said Greg Sechrist, transportation supervisor for Aquatic Trucking Co. “He was always helping others, whether asked or not, and never asked for or expected anything in return. He went above and beyond what was expected of him. I am proud to have been not only his supervisor, but his friend. He truly will be missed.”

Since the program’s inception in August 1997, hundreds of drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage they have displayed while on the job.