Family calls for stronger protections after Jasper Co. tow truck driver’s death

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - A family is grieving the loss of Eric Albertson, a beloved tow truck driver killed in the line of duty, as they express frustration over what they believe is an inadequate sentence for the man convicted in his death.

The Incident

The tragedy occurred in an instant on Frontage Road in 2023. Albertson, a former Marine and father figure to four children, was adjusting the final safety chain on a tow truck when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

He was helping a couple with their disabled car at the time.

“He was adjusting the last chain, which is the safety chain, and he took one step back, and he was instantly hit,” Eric’s dad, Vincent Albertson Sr., said.

Those who knew Albertson say safety was always his top priority. Family members recall how he consistently warned others to stay back from the roadway, even instructing his own father to maintain a safe distance during a job, explaining the dangers of a jackknifing trailer.

The Conviction and Sentence

Joshua Frazier, the driver of the car that struck Albertson, wasn’t arrested until months after the incident. Earlier this month, he was sentenced to six years in prison. However, with time served credited toward his sentence, Frazier will only spend an additional 3.5 years behind bars.

In deadly hit-and-run cases in South Carolina, suspects can face between 1 and 25 years in prison if found guilty, depending on the circumstances revealed during investigation.

Family’s Frustration

Albertson’s family views the sentence as insufficient.

“This is disgusting to us,” Eric’s brother, Vincent Albertson Jr., said. “If Josh had stopped his car immediately by rendering aid to my brother, reaching out to the family members in a serious situation, doing whatever he could to cooperate, I would totally understand, but he used the loophole.”

Melissa Smith, Eric’s sister, expressed hope that Frazier would come to understand the impact of his actions.

“I just hope this guy is remorseful and understands what he has taken from us,” she said.

A Life of Service

Albertson was born in Iowa and served 12 years in the Marines.

After leaving military service, he developed a deep love for the Southeast and chose to make South Carolina his home.

Those close to him say that from childhood, Eric had an instinct for helping others and prioritizing safety in everything he did.

Calls for Change

The family is now advocating for enhanced safety measures for tow truck drivers.

Despite South Carolina’s Move Over Law—which requires drivers to create space for tow truck drivers and first responders—Albertson’s family believes more must be done.

“They don’t get over for even a vehicle with their flashers on, let alone a tow truck,” Albertson Sr. said. “I believe red and blue lights need to be on those vehicles just like any other first responder. When they just see the yellow, they say, ‘Oh, it’s just somebody on the side of the road needing help.’”

The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office declined to comment on Frazier’s sentence, citing an ongoing case involving another person charged in connection with the incident.

They are awaiting that case’s resolution before making additional statements.