The Province newspaper reports that Brian R. Wood, a designer on Company of Heroes, died in a car accident Friday while protecting his pregnant wife. He was 33.
Reports say that the crash occurred while Wood and his wife were on their way to a family home on Whidbey Island in Washington. An oncoming car crossed the center divide and Wood swerved his vehicle to take the brunt of the collision, shielding his pregnant wife from the impact.
The Province reports:
When Wood braked and swerved slightly, the Blazer continued forward, its momentum driving it over top of the Subaru, the wheels crushing the roof of the smaller car killing Wood and causing his wife to suffer a non-life-threatening head injury as well.
It then launched into the air before crashing to the ground. When it was returned to its wheels, the entire upper portion of the SUV was flat – in line with the hood.
Wood is credited on half a dozen well-known strategy games, including Lead Designer on 2004 title, Axis & Allies. He'd been married to his wife, Erin, for five years. This is the couple's first child.
UPDATE: Friends of Brian Wood have launched the Brian Wood Memorial Trust, a PayPal-based trust fund made to assist Erin Wood and her unborn child following this horrible accident. If you can, please take the time to donate and help them through this undoubtedly very difficult time.
Source:North Van dad-to-be's final act saves family [The Province]
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Source: Daily News from GamePro.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010