Otay Mesa

Man Dies After Pinned Under His Tow Truck

Victim, Mario Lopez, was working on his tow truck when it pinned him, killing him

A man was killed on Friday in a freak accident while working on his tow truck in Otay Mesa.

The victim, who friends identified as Mario Lopez, was apparently working on his tow truck when the truck pinned and crushed him, killing him instantly. The incident happened just before noon on Friday. 

β€œIt’s really sad because we all work together by my friend’s yard. We were all joking around and talking, and I just got here and I heard what happened to him,” said Tommy Mikhilo, victim’s friend.

Friends told NBC 7 that Lopez was an experienced mechanic. He was working on his tow truck at a salvage lot he owned with a friend on Pogo Road. Some of his friends had just seen him earlier Friday morning.

β€œHe was a very nice guy. He was always laughing, joking around. Very nice guy, he don't deserve it,” said Mikhilo

Friends at the scene also described Lopez as a hard-working man who would bend over backwards for friends. NBC 7 also learned from friends that Lopez was married and recently adopted two of his grandchildren. 

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