Joshua Orr: Webster victim of Michael Avery's Rochester concert crash lauded as 'hero'
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK: As Rochester grapples with the aftermath of a horrifying New Year's tragedy, the families of Joshua Orr from Webster are mourning the loss of their heroic loved one.
The 29-year-old, along with 28-year-old Geneva woman Justina Hughes, lost their lives when a car filled with explosives, driven by 35-year-old Michael Avery from Syracuse, crashed into their Uber, resulting in a fiery blaze.
Timeline of Rochester concert crash
The tragic incident unfolded outside the Kodak Center around 12.50 am as concertgoers were leaving a New Year’s Eve show by the rock band Moe. Avery, behind the wheel of a rented Ford Expedition, accelerated into the crowd, colliding with an Uber and triggering a chain reaction.
Justina and Joshua lost their lives in the incident, while their driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Who was Joshua Orr?
In a heartfelt statement, Orr's family described him as a "beautiful, generous human filled with love and positivity and an advocating for those struggling with mental health." "On New Year’s Eve Joshua was doing his favorite thing in the world, attending a Grateful Dead tribute band when he was taken from us," the statement continued.
"Joshua is a hero and saved countless lives from being taken away from our community. We are thankful for all of the first responders of Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement for doing everything they could to help our son and his dear friend," the statement added, per a Daily News report.
Three pedestrians were also struck by the flying cars, with one clinging to life. The fire department spent nearly an hour extinguishing the flames, revealing at least a dozen gasoline canisters scattered across the pavement and inside Avery's vehicle. Following the crash, Avery was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed to life-threatening injuries.
What was the motive behind Michael Avery's callous act?
However, the deliberate nature of Avery's heinous actions has left the community in shock. Described as a suspected bipolar individual, he rented a hotel room in Rochester, where a subsequent search uncovered a suicide note and journal.
Amid initial concerns of possible domestic terrorism, law enforcement sources clarified on Tuesday that there was no evidence of a terror link. Interviews with relatives provided no indications of negative beliefs or known reasons for Avery to cause harm. Investigators are now delving into Avery's journal, leading them to believe mental illness may have played a role.
As details of Avery's actions come to light, law enforcement authorities released some disconcerting images on Tuesday. The photos depict Avery holding a gas canister along with several plastic tubs outside a store, suggesting recent purchases.
These images raise questions about the contents of the gas can and the intentions behind acquiring these materials. Authorities also plan to search a storage unit owned by Avery in Syracuse as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Mayor Malik Evans, in a solemn address, acknowledged the profound impact stating, "Obviously I would have been liking to stand at this podium to deliver ‘Happy New Year’ and smile and say good news. But unfortunately today we don’t have good news because we have several individuals whose families’ lives are changed because they will not be here to bring in 2024."
