File this under extremely sad. Relic Lead Designer Brian Wood passed away this past Friday as a result of a tragic vehicle accident which resulted in multiple fatalities.According to a report at the Seattlepi, Brian was struck by an out of control 1994 Chevrolet Blazer while traveling to a family home in Washington state in his 2004 Subaru Outback. The accident was the result of extremely poor judgment by both the driver and the front passenger of the Blazer, and may have involved drugs as well. More details below.

As the report reveals, the driver of Blazer made the decision to put on a sweater while the vehicle was in motion, and handed over control of the wheel to the front passenger. As the Blazer began to veer off path, both the driver and passenger attempted to regain control. In doing so, the occupants oversteered the Blazer to the right, then back to the left which sent the Blazer over the median and directly into Wood's path.

The accident cost Brian Wood his life, along with two other men that were in the back seat of the Blazer without seatbelts on. The men were ejected, and died from their injuries as well. Both the driver and front passenger of the Blazer are expected to face vehicular homicide charges for each of the deaths after they are released from the hospital, and may face one count of vehicular assault as well.

In an interview with Brian Wood's wife Erin at The Province, Erin reveals that Brian reacted to the oncoming vehicle in a way which ensured the he himself would absorb the majority of the impact. Both Erin and local police believe that Brian intentionally steered his vehicle to the right moments before impact so that his side would face oncoming car. In doing so, he avoided a direct head-on impact and most likely did save both his wife, and their unborn child.

"More than anything he was a wonderful man . . . He was so excited to be a father and he did the only thing he could to save his baby and it is so telling about who he is as a person that he was willing to sacrifice himself to save us. That is the true measure of a husband and a father. He loved life and was just so thankful for everything."

Brian is someone that I have worked with in the past on Company of Heroes related articles and community side stuff, and he was nothing short of a stand up guy that I really respected. This will no doubt have a big impact on the team at Relic, and of course his family and friends. We truly wish everyone the best as they try to cope with his loss. Rest in Peace.

metallifan wrote:I just saw this on the front page of The Province while getting lunch at the Greyhound Depot across the street. Extremely sad news, especially considering he was due to be a dad soon.

daedalus-templarius wrote:
Damn those that choose to take to the road while severely impaired by drugs or alcohol.

daedalus-templarius wrote:3 deaths are on that driver's hands now, not to mention the grief of all associated families.

metallifan wrote:

daedalus-templarius wrote:3 deaths are on that driver's hands now, not to mention the grief of all associated families.

And vehicular homicide. Even if the driver gets away free of charges, the collision (and deaths) are still on their record. Good luck getting any insurance company to cover you with THAT track record.