Victims identified in deadly New Year’s Day crash after New York concert
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHAM) — Police have identified the two victims killed in the fiery New Year’s Day crash[1] after a concert in New York. Justina Hughes, 28, of Geneva and Joshua Orr, 29, of Webster, were passengers of a rideshare vehicle that was struck by Michael Avery, the 35-year-old suspect from Syracuse. Police said Avery was driving a rented vehicle full of gas cans when he sped up toward pedestrians who were just leaving a concert at the Kodak Center, causing the collision that caused an explosion and a large blaze that took crews more than an hour to extinguish.
Avery died from his injuries, while nine other pedestrians were hurt, including one person with life-altering injuries. Rochester police were originally investigating the incident as domestic terrorism but no evidence has been found to suggest Avery acted on any political or social issues. However, conversations with the family have led police to believe he may have been suffering from possible undiagnosed mental health issues, Police Chief David Smith said.
Loved ones of both victims killed in the crash shared statements Tuesday evening. Statement from the family of Justina Hughes: Justina was our family’s beautiful free spirit and she was loved by all of us beyond measure.
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. 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. We ask that you take a moment to reflect on the young lives that were taken away from their families and friends. Please respect our wishes to grieve and mourn this devastating loss in privacy.
Statement from the family of Josh Orr: Josh was a beautiful, generous human, filled with love and positivity and an advocate for those struggling with mental health. Aside from his family, he loved his girlfriend and his dog Eddie.
On New Year’s Eve Josh was doing his favorite thing in the world, attending a Grateful Dead tribute band when he was taken from us. Josh 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.
Please respect our privacy as we navigate through this unimaginably difficult time. Statement from Brit Abbott, the partner of Josh Orr: He was the kindest man I’ve ever met and I love him with my whole heart.
He was the love of my life. When Josh cared about you, he cared hard. He’d do anything for you.
He was smart, hard working, loving, and I’ll miss him for the rest of my life.