Man Died On I-287 Doing What He Loved: 'Hooking Up Car For Tow'

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Nicholas Coble was just 24 years old when he died this week "doing what he loved: Just hooking up a car for a tow."

That's what his friends are saying now that the community is in shock, and in mourning, over the loss of the loving father of three.

Coble, a tow truck driver from Piscataway, was helping a disable vehicle on the side of I-287 southbound in the local lanes near Exit 17 when he was struck and killed by a Chevy Cruz at 1:44 p.m. on Wednesday, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Lawrence Peele said.

Helping people in need was what Coble, who graduated from Middlesex High School, was all about, friends say. They've been flooding Facebook to pour out their emotions on the loss.

One friend said "you gave me some blessed memories and you were such a loyal friend and I never forgot that."

"You looked to be such a loyal father and spouse as well. I am literally so proud of who you became and I hope that God is giving you all that you deserve up there. Gone far too soon but sure as hell never forgotten," said Amber Gael Maddalena.

Coble was engaged to Crystal Ramos, whom everyone called his wife. Coble also leaves behind three young children.

Another friend said: "You were literally a brother to me. Growing up we were inseparable to the point where your dad named us the stoop kids."

"No matter how much time passed, every time we saw each other it was like no time at all. I can’t even begin to think how Crystal and your family are handling this. The world truly lost an incredible person, I love you," said Tiffany Wiehl.

One friend said, "I'm not one to talk about god or angels. But toda,y the news that hit me was indescribable."

"To hear my friend Nicholas Coble was taken way way too soon. Doing what he loved: Just hooking up a car for a tow," said Cody Lynch.

"I don't know the whole story but I sure as hell wish I had one more chance to have a brew with you and go on a random adventure. Muffler Bearing I love you brother I miss ya already, hope you have my back up there," said Cody Lynch.

Ramos's uncle has set up a fundraiser to help the family to cover funeral costs and future expenses.

"With this young couple struggling to make a life for their family, this horrific tragedy will cripple my niece emotionally and financially. I am begging anyone to contribute to the funeral expenses, cost of living and a possible future for my little great nieces and nephew," the gofundme site stated.

To donate to the Coble family click here.

As a result of the crash, the highway was shutdown from 1:44 p.m. until around 7:30 p.m. No charges have been filed against the driver of the Chevy Cruz, who sustained minor injuries.

(Image via Ramos: Nicholas Coble with Crystal Ramos and their three children).

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