U.S. Transportation Secretary makes push to require commercial drivers to be able to read road signs and speak English, after UMass student killed in crash

Officials are calling for changes as the UMass Lowell Athletics community mourns the loss of men’s soccer goalkeeper 21-year-old Tobias “Toby” Forsythe, who tragically passed away on Sunday.
 
“Our entire athletics department is heartbroken by Toby’s passing,” said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. “Although Toby’s time as a River Hawk was cut far too short, he left a meaningful impact and will always be remembered as a cherished member of our UMass Lowell family. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones, and we are committed to supporting our student-athletes and staff as we mourn this tremendous loss together.”
 
Forsythe was a member of the men’s soccer program at Ashland University for two seasons before transferring to Shawnee State, where he started all 17 games during the 2025 season before joining the River Hawks for the 2026 spring season. Off the pitch, he was an economics major in UMass Lowell’s College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS).
 
“Today, our River Hawk team is grieving the loss of one of our own,” said Head Coach Kyle Zenoni. “Toby was everything you hope for in a student-athlete and an even better person. He was humble, honest, selfless and the definition of hard work. Every single day, he showed up ready to compete, improve and do whatever was asked of him. He never looked for shortcuts and never expected anything to be given to him – he simply wanted the opportunity to earn it. Our hearts are with Toby’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We will forever be grateful that Toby was part of our River Hawk family, and we will honor his memory by carrying forward the example he set.”
 
According to an obituary, “Tobias will be remembered for his charismatic nature, his undying care for his friends and family, and his unrelenting love for Jesus. In the midst of change and adversity, Toby’s strong ambition propelled him to reach heights his family never could have imagined. Serving his God with this same level of devotion, Toby led many to the simple and transformative Gospel that he learned from his parents as a child. Throughout his life, as he faithfully ran his race, he continued to bring many alongside him, pointing them to the hope and grace he found in Christ.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on social media that “a massive semi-truck driven by Bekhzod Asrarov rammed the back of Toby’s car on I-71 in Madison County, Ohio, killing him instantly. At the crash scene, the truck driver ripped out his dash cam and hid it in his pocket. He failed his English language proficiency test, and state troopers had to use Google Translate to talk to him. We cannot let truckers like Asrarov, who can’t read our road signs or speak to law enforcement, drive 80,000-pound rigs on America’s highways.”