What really happened!

Since Joe's passing on September 28, 2012 there has been much speculation and misinformation as to "what really happened" that terrible day...

It was 3:00 in the afternoon, a beautiful sunny day. Joe was stopped at a red light on a city street at an intersection waiting for a green light. A young man driving an SUV rear-ended Joe's car as a police officer stated "at an accelerated rate of speed and it appeared the driver made no attempt to stop." Eye witness accounts state "the driver was clearly distracted, possibly texting." Joe's car was hit with such force the back half of his 4 door sedan was completely ripped from the back-end, pining Joe between the front seat and the steering wheel. Several brave witness at the scene attempted to cut Joe's seat belt and remove him from the car. An off duty fireman attempting to help, felt for a pulse and there was none. As several people tried desperately to remove Joe from the car, it caught on fire and he could not be saved. The coroner's report stated he died from "blunt force trauma to the head, chest and abdomen." Luckily, Joe was gone before the fire engulfed the car. It appeared at the scene the other driver was NOT intoxicated, however a toxicology report is still pending.

The accident is still pending a full investigation. Again, eye witness accounts state the driver was "distracted, and possibly texting." The police are currently performing digital forensics on the young man's phone along with other forensics studies in an attempt to piece together the accounts of the accident. However, this all takes time. In the meantime, Joe's family are eagerly awaiting the driver's arrest and possible criminal charges filed.

Which brings us to Joe's deviantart site. In addition to the criminal charges, the family has hired an attorney and a civil law suite against the driver will be filed after the criminal case has gone to trial. To protect Joe's  privacy, some art containing mature content has been removed. The family does not want the defendant to malign Joe's artistic works and character. The family hopes that those who have appreciated Joe's talents will support them through this difficult, emotional time dealing with their loss and the upcoming legal battles.

In Joe's memory, his family is asking everyone to join their pledge to not drive distracted and/or text while driving. The world has lost a very talented, good-hearted person because of someone's negligence.

ONE TEXT OR CALL CAN WRECK IT ALL!  -- distraction.gov