Tow-truck driver's death marked by city memorial

A Winnipeg tow-truck driver killed by a drunk driver three years agois the first recipient of an official roadside memorial program developed by the city.

Amanda Frizzley, 26, was killed early on Sept. 30, 2007, when her tow truck was hit by a sport utility vehicle speeding the wrong way down a one-way downtown street.

The impact of the crash was strong enough to flip the tow truck on its roof. A passengerwas injured.

Since her friend's death, Michelle Golebiowski has worked with thecity to erect an official memorial at the crash site.

While it's been hanging on a light standard at Donald Street and York Avenue for about three weeks, the presence of the memorial takes on special meaning on theanniversary of Frizzley's death, Golebiowski suggested.

"Three years feels like an eternity," she said. "It's a long time to miss someone.

"I think it's so important for people to know someone's life was taken here so recklessly."

Golebiowski added she hopes the memorialwill influence people not to drink and drive. The effort to get the memorial erected was worth it, she said.

"This may be the end of a process, it's the beginning to an educational one. I'm sure you'll be seeing more of these kinds of messages around."

Steven Watkins was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Jan. 21, 2009, after pleading guilty to impaired driving causing death.

Court was told Watkins was driving with more than twice the legal blood-alcohol limit.