An Oregon man who was walking across the country to raise awareness about bullying after his son's suicide was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer in Colorado this week, the New York Daily News reported.
Joseph Bell, 48, was coping with the loss of his son, Jadin, who killed himself at 15 after endless bullying for being gay. He was fatally hit by the truck while journeying on the shoulder of U.S. 40 in Kit Carson, Colorado on Wednesday.
An update on Bell's website "Joe's Walk For Change," which was tracking his journey and spreading awareness, was posted after his death.
"Friends and supporters,
We are sad to share that the recent news of Joe's passing is true. Joe was supported by a number of people, across a number of states. Please be patient with us as we come together, and allow the family time to process this difficult tragedy.
We will update you as we have updates.
Thank you for your support."
The driver, Kenneth Raven, 49, told the Colorado State Patrol that he fell asleep behind the wheel before he accidentally hit Bell. Raven, who is employed by Farold Inc., was cited for reckless driving resulting in death.
Although the owner of Farold Inc. expressed his sympathy for Bell's family, he denied that his employee fell asleep before hitting the grief-stricken man.
Ann Clark, a woman from Utah who met Bell while he began his walk, said she was devasted about his death.
"I've been crying all day," Clark said. "He was doing something so important and now he won't be able to finish that walk."
According to his website, Bell's plan was to reach New York City -- a place where Jadin believe he could live free of judgment and torture for being gay.
As his awareness trip began, Bell recalled his son's pain to reporters.
"He was hurting so bad," Jadin's father said. "Just the bullying at school. Yeah, there were other issues, but ultimately it was all due to the bullying, for not being accepted for being gay."
Bell is survived by his wife, one daughter, and two sons.
