My Heart Is Broken: Joe Bell Died Last Night

I first wrote about Jadin Bell back in January, 2013. He was 'Another One;' one of our LGBT youth that was bullied and terrorized so horribly that he took his own life rather than endure one more day of torture. See that post HERE.

In April 2013, I posted about Jadin's father, Joe Bell, who was undertaking a walk across America to both honor his son and to raise money for anti-bullying campaigns and awareness of the bullying epidemic in this country. See that post HERE. It was like a ray of light; maybe I wouldn't have to do 'Another One.'

Jadin Bell

In July 2013, I posted again [see that post HERE] about Joe Bell's walk, and the people he'd met and the stories he'd heard; and the struggles he was having on the walk due to having had two knee surgeries, and having two artificial knees. But he would walk in memory of Jadin.

Joe founded an organization, Faces For Change, for money and education and awareness. He was doing all he could to use his own tragedy for something good, to try and make sure no other parent had to hear the news that their child had committed suicide because of bullying.

And now ... this:

Joe Bell was killed last night along U.S. Highway 40 in Cheyenne County, Colorado, when a semi-truck driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and hit him. The driver, Kenneth Raven, who was not injured, was cited with careless driving resulting in death.

The walk is over. A post on the Faces For Change Facebook page announced Bell's death Thursday morning:

"Thank you so much for all of your continued support. He loved everyone he came into contact with, and was so appreciative of all your support. … He will continue his journey now with Jadin. Please keep his family in your prayers and thoughts." 

He's Another One, now.

My heart breaks for his family.

RIP Joe Bell, for you were an amazing father while you were with us.

via The Advocate