Wall of the Fallen

On September 9, 2006, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, members of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum (ITRHFM) gathered on the museum grounds for the official dedication ceremony of the Wall of the Fallen, a monument to honor towing operators killed in the line of service generously funded by the MILLER FOUNDATION.

The mission statement of the Wall of the Fallen reads: “To honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, to generate public awareness of the dangers involved in the towing and recovery industry and to permanently record and commemorate those involved in fatalities in the towing and recovery industry.”

Wall of the Fallen Ceremony 2023

Date of Birth: June 25, 1956
Date of Death: August 17, 2013
Age at Death: 57
State/Province: Missouri /
Michael Schmidt was born on June 25 1956. Michael was owner of Wrinkler’s Wrecker Service. On August 172013 Michael was… Read More

Date of Birth: July 5, 1974
Date of Death: December 20, 2005
Age at Death: 31
State/Province: Illinois /
A Tractor-trailer slammed into Mr. Starcevich's tow truck and van he was towing and was thrown about 100 feet from… Read More

Date of Birth: June 27, 1961
Date of Death: March 9, 2008
Age at Death: 46
State/Province: Michigan /
Mr. Johnston was winching a vehicle out of a ditch when a drunk driver hit him and his tow truck.… Read More

Date of Birth: January 1, 1964
Date of Death: October 28, 1991
Age at Death: 27
State/Province: California /
Mr. Lowman was struck by an awning assembly on a passing motor home while hooking up to a disabled vehicle.… Read More

Date of Birth: October 13, 1964
Date of Death: June 2, 2000
Age at Death: 35
State/Province: California /
While traveling on the interstate one of Mr. Riegelhuth's tires blew on his 3 axle tow truck and he lost… Read More

Date of Birth: January 1, 1970
Date of Death: November 10, 2022
Age at Death: 41
State/Province: California / United States
Michael Micheletti was working to secure a tractor-trailer for towing on the afternoon of November 10, 2022. Michael was working under… Read More

Date of Birth: November 17, 1972
Date of Death: January 15, 2008
Age at Death: 35
State/Province: Florida /
Mr. Kelly suffered a blowout while driving his tow truck and lost control. He crashed into a canal along Alligator… Read More

Date of Birth: December 28, 1983
Date of Death: February 7, 2011
Age at Death: 28
State/Province: California /
Michael lost his life on February 72011 when he was struck and killed by a passing truck while assisting a… Read More

NEW HOURS: Monday: CLOSED, Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-6pm (423) 267-3132