Justina Hughes: Geneva woman killed in Rochester concert crash remembered as 'beautiful free spirit'

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK: Justina Hughes has been identified as one of the two killed in the deadly incident at a New Year’s Eve concert in Rochester, where a man drove a car filled with explosives into a crowd. 

The 28-year-old Geneva woman, along with 29-year-old Joshua Orr from Webster, died as a Syracuse man, identified as Michael Avery, 35, crashed into their Uber, sparking a fiery blaze.

Timeline of Rochester concert crash

The fiery crash occurred 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 toward the crowd and collided with an Uber, triggering a chain reaction that resulted in an intense blaze.

Hughes and Orr lost their lives in the tragic incident, while the Uber driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, three pedestrians were 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.

Who was Justina Hughes?

Hughes' family paints a picture of a "beautiful free spirit" deeply loved by all.

A statement from them read, "She had an old soul and cared deeply for her family and friends. She was a talented artist who loved nature, and took every opportunity to hike a new trail and find a new waterfall. And oh how she loved music. It was the passion that gave her the most joy."

They further added, "We take peace in knowing that Justina and her very best friend, Josh, spent their last moments together, enjoying their passion and friendship. We also take comfort in knowing that many other lives were saved because they became, albeit unaware, a shield for others. And because of that, they will forever be heroes," as per Daily News.

As the families cope with the unbearable loss, the deliberate nature of Avery's heinous actions has left the community in shock. Suspected to have suffered from bipolar disorder, he rented a hotel room in Rochester, where a subsequent search uncovered a suicide note and journal.

What was the motive behind Michael Avery's act of violence?

Initially raising concerns of possible domestic terrorism, law enforcement sources clarified on Tuesday, January 2, that there was no evidence of a terror link in the incident. Interviews with relatives suggested no prior indications of negative beliefs or known reasons for Avery to cause harm to others.

Investigators are delving into Avery's journal for clues, leading them to believe mental illness may have played a role. As the details of his actions prior to the tragic crash come to light, law enforcement authorities released disconcerting images of him on Tuesday.

The photos depict Avery holding a gas canister along with several plastic tubs outside a store, suggesting recent purchases. Authorities also plan to search a storage unit owned by Avery in Syracuse as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.