NEW YORK, NY – One man’s sacrifice is a story worth telling!
While this story isn’t weird or outlandish, it is so touching that it deserves to be told. It’s incredibly sad, but has a truly touching ending. Brian Wood was a loving husband and a soon-to-be dad. He was so close to perhaps the happiest day of his life (becoming a father) but his life was unfortunately cut short. Wood died in a car crash, but it was how he died that is truly amazing.
Wood was a 33-year-old lead designer at popular game developer Relic Entertainment. He spent his life thrilling millions of faceless gamers, but his last moment was one of incredible sacrifice.
He was on his way back to his Washington home when his wagon was struck by an oncoming Chevy Blazer being driven by a 21 year-old woman believed to be driving under the influence. With his wife Erin in the passenger seat, Wood swerved his car and put himself directly in the path of the oncoming SUV – a decision that ultimately cost him his life, but protected his wife and unborn child from harm. Two other passengers riding in the backseat of the Blazer were also killed.
“All the policeman say that if we had hit the car head-on all of us would be dead,” Erin Wood told The Province. “At the very last second Brian braked really hard and turned right so that he would be put in the path of the SUV and not me and the baby, and that is the only thing that saved us both.”
“He was always sacrificing himself for me and the baby,” she added.
While his death is tragic, it sparked an incredible movement symbolized by hope, support and appreciation. The same people who Brian strived to please with his work have returned the favor with a striking show of support for his bereaved widow.
A memorial trust was set up within days of the accident. Countless game developers, journalists and fans posted links on Twitter and Facebook, leading to literally thousands of supportive comments, messages and financial donations, prompting Erin to send an open letter to the gaming community to popular game blog Kotaku.
“Brian always told me about how close-knit and wonderful the video game community was, but I had no idea until this tragedy just how special a group it really is,” she wrote. “From all the articles and comments, to the emails and donations, I am simply stunned and so touched by the love, kindness, and generosity shown to me and my family.”
To help Erin, please visit the Brian Wood Memorial Trust.
Wow, what a wonderful man he must have been. My condolences go out to his wife and family. My his soul rest in peace.
R.I.P. brian, i am not familiar with your work even as an avid gamer but your sacrifice really touches my heart and you are THE MAN for saving your wife and child. May your soul always be with them.
What a gentleman
Brian wood sacrificing his life to save his wife!! He should be nominated for the Bat Boy of the year award, make note Frank Lake
C'MON HE WAS TRYING TO AVOID THE CRASH, LIKE HE HAD TIME TO REASON THAT OUT BEFORE HE DID IT, MEDIA, GET A LIFE PLEASE
Good point definitly a possibility but the truth of the matter is…only he and god knows!
If somehow she can find solace in a time of great loss and tragedy, WHY NOT LET IT BE!
Brian wood sacrificed his life to save his wife! Maybe someone could develop a game where everyone is saved with the help of Bat Boy in his Mini-Cooper? Maybe in Going Mutant II, the next chapter of an American Icon's life, we will find out about his gaming plans (EA Sports, Namco, Relic…who knows)
dont be cruel like that. get a life!!
cmon mike santo.. get a heart
So terribly sad. Such a noble and good person. May his soul rest in peace and we pray for his unborn child and wife best health and love.
If Bat Boy was was driving them in his Mini-cooper non of this would have happened, what a shame!
Even if he didn't actually turn the car out of the way of his wife and unborn child it is nice to know that their lives have been saved. It is a tragedy and nice to see his fans support his family at a time like this
So sad…I wonder if Brian was really ythinking of turning his car on some special way in the face of death, but he'd be glad to know that he had manageds to save his family's lives. Rest in peace, Wood! Not the best pic imho, download picture editor http://pictureeditorfree.org/ to make them look better in the future
Exactly what honestly motivated u to publish “BRIAN WOOD | Weekly
World News”? Ihonestly loved the blog post!
Thanks for your time -Benny