Friends, family seek answers after Marine hit by truck in Md.

On Sept. 29, Marine Cpl. William Ferrell, of Carthage, stopped on the side of a busy Maryland highway to help a driver in need. Those who knew the young Marine the best said that was no surprise.

"He would just become restless and always wanted to do something to help, and that was his way of paying back," said Bill Bass, who knew Ferrell from when he served as a volunteer firefighter.

Brian Turner, who also served as a Carthage firefighter, echoed the statement.

"It didn't matter what you needed. Any time of day or night, you just called him and he was there. He was a great kid," Turner said.

Police said the truck driver stopped down the road after striking Ferrell, but drove off minutes later, before officers arrived.

Bass said it is frustrating, the more time that passes with no arrest.

"I'm hoping this person will at least tell the truth and come forward to own up to what he's caused," he said.

A few weeks ago, the Carthage community hosted a funeral service for Ferrell. An antique fire truck carried his coffin beneath an American flag suspended by two ladder trucks.

Ferrell's mother told WRAL News that she wonders why her son had to stop on that rainy night. But then remembers, "it's what he lived for."

Police believe the truck might have been pulling a car trailer and likely had extensive damage to its side.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 award for information leading to an arrest.