Fatal Hit-and-Run Claims Tow Truck Operator Hussain Farhat's Life on I-94 in Summit, Waukesha County
Tow truck driver dies after Waukesha County hit-and-run
The Waukesha County Sherriff's Office said the driver of the minivan did not stop and continued eastbound on I-94 until they exited at Highway C.
Tow operators honor truck driver killed in crash with vigil
Farhat worked for a towing company out of Chicago, and those in the Milwaukee area who knew him say he was nice and respectful.
Suspect of hit-and-run that killed a tow truck operator in Wisconsin turns himself in
On Christmas Day, deputies say they got an anonymous tip on the possible suspect vehicle at a home in the Village of Wales.
On Christmas Eve 2024, a tragic hit-and-run incident on Interstate 94 near Summit, Waukesha County, claimed the life of a 40-year-old tow truck operator who was performing his duties on the highway's shoulder. The incident occurred just before 6:45 p.m. when the victim was loading a disabled vehicle onto his truck on eastbound I-94 near Sawyer Road. According to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office, a blue minivan struck the operator and fled the scene, continuing eastbound before exiting at Highway C. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the tow truck operator was pronounced dead upon arrival. Multiple emergency response units, including the Wisconsin State Patrol, Village of Summit Police Department, City of Delafield Police Department, Lake Country Fire Department, and Western Lakes Fire Department, responded to the scene. The incident prompted authorities to close I-94 eastbound from Sawyer Road to Highway C for investigation, with lanes remaining closed as of 10:30 p.m.
Location and Infrastructure The incident occurred on a crucial stretch of Interstate 94, a major east-west highway connecting Milwaukee to Madison. The Sawyer Road area in Summit, Waukesha County, is characterized by high-speed traffic and moderate to heavy volume, particularly during holiday periods. This section of I-94 features wide shoulders designed for emergency stopping and roadside assistance operations. The area where the incident occurred is situated between the communities of Summit and Delafield, with the nearest exit at Highway C serving as a major connector for local traffic. The stretch of highway is known for its relatively straight alignment and good visibility, though nighttime conditions and winter weather can create challenging driving conditions.
Legal Rights and Considerations Under Wisconsin law, leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a Class D felony, carrying severe penalties including potential imprisonment and fines. Wisconsin's "Move Over Law" requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles, including tow trucks displaying warning lights. Victims' families in such cases typically have three years from the date of the incident to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation may be available through multiple channels, including the deceased's auto insurance uninsured motorist coverage, workers' compensation benefits, and potentially through the state's crime victim compensation program. Additional civil remedies may become available if the hit-and-run driver is identified and apprehended.
Related Resources:
- Waukesha County Sheriff's Office: 262-446-5070
- Wisconsin State Patrol - Southeast Region
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Crash Information
- Wisconsin Office of Crime Victim Services
- Move Over Wisconsin (Traffic Safety Campaign)
- Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Division
- Western Lakes Fire District
- Lake Country Fire Department
- Summit Police Department