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Cancer Patient's Car Disappears After Tow Truck Takes It to Body Shop
Edward Kuczmierczyk says his car has been missing for over a month after a random tow truck driver took it to a body shop following a crash.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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A cancer patient in Chicago named Edward Kuczmierczyk says his car disappeared after he was involved in a crash on the way to a doctor's appointment. Kuczmierczyk claims a random tow truck driver showed up and took his car to a body shop called West Loop Auto, but more than a month later, the car still hasn't been fixed and he has no idea where it is.
Why it matters
This story highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, like those with serious health issues, when dealing with unexpected car troubles and potential exploitation by unscrupulous businesses. It raises questions about towing and auto repair regulations, as well as the responsibilities of insurance companies when a customer's vehicle goes missing.
The details
Kuczmierczyk, who has Stage 4 cancer, crashed his 2010 Nissan Versa into a railing on November 5, 2025 while driving to a chemotherapy appointment. He says a tow truck driver he didn't call showed up and took his car to West Loop Auto. Weeks later, the car still hadn't been repaired, and Kuczmierczyk says the body shop owner told a friend he would be keeping the insurance payout money and not returning the vehicle.
- On November 5, 2025, Kuczmierczyk crashed his car on the way to a doctor's appointment.
- On Thanksgiving Day 2025, a man claiming to be the father of the West Loop Auto owner came to Kuczmierczyk's home and told him to sign insurance checks.
- On December 17, 2025, CBS News Chicago reached out to the West Loop Auto owner, who disputed Kuczmierczyk's account.
The players
Edward Kuczmierczyk
A cancer patient in Chicago who had his car go missing after a crash on the way to a doctor's appointment.
West Loop Auto
The body shop that allegedly took Kuczmierczyk's car and refused to return it or complete the repairs.
Maria Brzoskwinia
Kuczmierczyk's friend of over 30 years who reached out to CBS News Chicago for help with his case.
Allstate
The insurance company that paid out for the value of Kuczmierczyk's car, which the body shop owner allegedly kept instead of repairing the vehicle.
What they’re saying
“He's a thief. And a liar.”
— Maria Brzoskwinia, Kuczmierczyk's friend (CBS News Chicago)
“We are very grateful that you helped me with this story because probably he would not get anything because Allstate already paid for repair, which was never repaired.”
— Maria Brzoskwinia, Kuczmierczyk's friend (CBS News Chicago)
What’s next
After CBS News Chicago's involvement, Kuczmierczyk received a check from Allstate for the value of his car, which the body shop owner had allegedly kept instead of repairing the vehicle. It remains unclear if Allstate will seek reimbursement from the body shop.
The takeaway
This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by those dealing with health challenges, as well as the importance of oversight and regulation in the towing and auto repair industries to protect consumers from potential exploitation. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability when insurance claims and vehicle repairs are involved.
