Tow truck driver killed on I-575 in Cherokee County identified as former race car driver

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - A local tow truck driver killed after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 575 on Thursday afternoon has been identified.

The Woodstock Police Department confirmed that 48-year-old Frank Ingram, owner of Ingram Towing & Impound Service, was the tow truck driver who was killed. Ingram was working at the time.

Ingram was a former Dixie Speedway Late Model Champion where his father, Bill Ingram, also raced. Dixie Speedway released a statement on Ingram's passing.

"Our hearts are heavy tonight for the tragic loss of Frank Ingram. Frank was a huge part of Dixie Speedway racing history," the statement reads. "We ask that you please keep Gloria, Christian, family and friends in your prayers. RIP Frank."

FOX 5 spoke with Mia Green, owner of Dixie Speedway, who said the news is just shocking.

"It's just shocking to hear he was doing his job and this happened," Green said. "His dad Bill raced here and then Frank followed in his footsteps like early 90s. They would come over here that was their boat that was their hobby, and they had hundreds of fans in the community that would come out just to see them race. You see a lot of the families here multi generation more than you see you're you know extended, close family sometimes, so it hits hard for all of us."

This is the third tow truck driver to be killed in 2023.

Tow truck driver Toby Bowden, 49, was killed on Interstate 85 in Newnan in March while cleaning up after a crash.  

Troy Simon, 41, was killed along the Downtown Connector in April while helping a driver. 

The police department says the "accident remains under investigation" and did not indicate if any charges are anticipated for the driver who struck Ingram.