WAUKESHA, Wis. — A tragic Christmas Eve hit-and-run incident has left one family mourning and another facing serious legal trouble. Christopher Sponholz, 39, from Wales, Wis., has been charged with causing the death of 40-year-old Hussain Farhat, who worked as a tow truck operator for Yaffo Towing out of Chicago.
The fatal crash occurred on December 24 around 6:41 PM on the eastbound lane of I-94, near Sawyer Road. According to court documents, Farhat was loading a disabled vehicle onto his tow truck when he was struck by Sponholz's minivan, which was reportedly speeding at around 80 mph. Witnesses described the scene, noting Sponholz did not attempt to slow down before leaving the scene of the accident.
Farhat was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. “The very fact ... someone is dead … There's an individual who went to work one night and didn't come home because, allegedly, you thought you hit a deer,” remarked Waukesha County Court Commissioner Daniel Rieck during Sponholz's initial court hearing.
Sponholz turned himself in to authorities on December 25 after police received tips from individuals who spotted his blue minivan at his residence. Investigators indicated Sponholz initially claimed he thought he had hit a deer rather than another person. He has since faced charges including one count of hit-and-run resulting in death.
This incident has sparked outrage and sorrow among the local community, especially among fellow tow truck drivers. Farhat's family is encouraging tow operators to attend his memorial service, which is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. at the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview, Illinois. They have expressed their devastation over losing someone who went to work with the expectation of returning home.
Sponholz's legal troubles are compounded by his criminal history; he has prior felony convictions and is currently under custodial supervision with a bail set at $750,000. If convicted of the hit-and-run charge, he could face up to 25 years behind bars and substantial fines.
His preliminary hearing is slated for February 5, 2025. Meanwhile, community leaders are calling for more awareness on the dangers facing tow truck operators who work on busy highways, emphasizing the need for drivers to remain vigilant and slow down when encountering roadside assistance work.
Farhat’s tragic death not only highlights the physical dangers faced by tow truck drivers but also brings to light the urgent need for vehicular accountability on the roads. The community's outpouring of support for Farhat’s family is evident as they navigate this harrowing time, seeking justice for their loved one and ensuring such fatal incidents are taken seriously.
Online tributes and gatherings have begun to honor Farhat, demonstrating the deep respect his peers held for him. Above all, the memory of Farhat serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with roadside work, and the importance of traffic safety laws.
