[stangace20]

Brian Wood spent his life thrilling millions of faceless gamers, but his last moment was spent saving the lives of those he loved most.

Wood, a 33 year-old lead designer at popular game developer Relic Entertainment, 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 pregnant wife Erin in the passenger seat, Wood swerved his car to 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.

But while Wood's impossibly brave act left a permanent void in the life of Erin Wood, 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 Wood to send [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] 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 writes. "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."

At the time of his death, Brian Wood was working on Company of Heroes Online, a free-to-play version of Relic’s award-winning strategy game. It's currently in open beta-test.

Video here
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[stangace20]

found the killers myspace (they apparently used that pic)

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[UnknownFact2]

May his soul rest in peace...

[alcaray]

It is probably a rude thing to point out. But in countries where we drive on the right-hand side of the street, anybody would swerve to the right if someone was heading for us in a head-on collision.

[digritz]

I am sure if given the choice to sacrifice himself for his wife and child he would have made the same choice. However it is doubtful he had that forethought at the time to make that conscious decision.. It's called a copping mechanism. I have been in a few accidents in my life and the only thing I had time to think was SHI...........
My condolences none the less.

[azn]

Old news but sad regardless. There is a donation fund up and running for the wife and her unborn child. If you truly want to help, donate.

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Originally Posted by digritz

I am sure if given the choice to sacrifice himself for his wife and child he would have made the same choice. However it is doubtful he had that forethought at the time to make that conscious decision.. It's called a copping mechanism. I have been in a few accidents in my life and the only thing I had time to think was SHI...........
My condolences none the less.

I think he unconsciously prioritised his family's life over his own :/

[Nightsky]

o shit i heard about this on the morning news the othe day but they didnt say what the guys occupation was

[gokusamir]

making a game about heroes yet he himself was a hero may his soul rest in peace and i hope his his son/daughter will be proud someday cuz i know i would !!

[stangace20]

And I hope they hang that white trash skank that did this

[Leode]

Hanging for DUI?

... rather extreme.



But yes, it is nice to see game developers who sacrifice self for family. If there's a major deterrent to the gaming industry it is that those who take part in it usually have to sacrifice family for the game.