The deceased driver, identified by his relatives as Adrian Garcia, was killed in the crash.
"You never think that this would happen to your family," said Maria Garcia, niece of the victim.
Maria is among those shocked by news of the deadly accident on Beecher and Cook Road. Police say the crash was caused by Willie James Johnson, Jr, who they've arrested for intoxication manslaughter.
Investigators say Johnson was traveling westbound on Beechnut and allegedly ran a red light to make a left hand turn onto Cook Road.
The victim was driving a red Chevy Tahoe and had the right of way when he collided into Johnson's tractor.
Family members says Garcia was just a few minutes from home.
"You know, people just don't understand, like, you're driving. Just park somewhere, call a cab or something," said Maria.
The family describes Garcia as a hard-working father of four.
We did some checking and learned the truck driver accused of causing his death does have a criminal history. Court records show Johnson's been convicted of crimes, including drugs, criminal mischief, evading arrest and having a weapon on school grounds.
Garcia's grieving family says it hopes the man gets help.
"May God forgive him," Maria said.
It's still unclear what substance police believe Johnson may have been taking before the crash. This remains an ongoing investigation.
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