A heartbreaking tragedy in Virginia has left a family mourning after a 16-year-old autistic teen was allegedly killed by a drunk driver who fled the scene without stopping to help.
Joshua Driver, described by his family as “autistic and mentally disabled,” was walking home after missing the last bus when he was struck and killed along West Broad Street in Henrico County.
Teen Was Walking Home After Missing Bus
According to Joshua’s mother, Sharon Driver, the teen had gone to Arby’s with his brother on Friday night. The two normally used the bus to return home, but Joshua reportedly missed the final bus of the night.
His brother made it home safely, but Joshua was forced to walk back alone.
His mother believes the tragic crash happened while he was trying to make his way home on foot.
Reflective Vest Was Left at Home
Sharon Driver said Joshua usually wore a reflective safety vest given to him by a bus driver whenever he walked near roads at night.
However, the vest had been washed the day before and was still not ready to wear.
She explained that the vest was still in the washer and had not yet been dried before Joshua left home that evening.
The grieving mother believes the missing vest may have made it harder for drivers to see him in the dark.
Driver Accused of DUI and Hit-and-Run
Police identified the accused driver as 41-year-old John Daniel Bruehl.
Authorities say Bruehl was allegedly driving under the influence when he hit Joshua and then left the scene instead of calling for help.
According to investigators, Joshua’s body was discovered in a grassy area beside the road nearly three hours later during the early hours of Saturday morning.
Bruehl now faces charges related to DUI and hit-and-run.
Family Devastated by Teen’s Death
Joshua’s mother emotionally spoke about the pain of losing her son and questioned how someone could leave an injured child behind after a crash.
She said one of the hardest parts is not knowing whether Joshua suffered after being hit or if he died instantly.
The family also expressed sadness that Joshua never got the chance to grow into adulthood.
GoFundMe Describes Joshua as Kind and Aware
A GoFundMe page created to support the family described Joshua as an autistic and mentally disabled teen who may not have fully understood everything around him but remained aware of what was happening nearby.
Loved ones remembered him as a caring boy who faced daily challenges while still trying to enjoy life like any other teenager.
Second Alleged DUI Offense
Court and arrest records reportedly show this is Bruehl’s second alleged DUI-related offense within the past five to ten years.
The case has sparked anger and sadness online, with many people calling for stricter punishment for repeat drunk driving offenders and stronger road safety measures for pedestrians.
Community Reacts to Tragic Incident
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, especially families with autistic children and people advocating for road safety.
Many people online shared condolences and highlighted the dangers of drunk driving, especially when drivers leave crash scenes without offering help.
The incident also raised awareness about how vulnerable disabled individuals can be when travelling alone, particularly at night.
Joshua Driver’s death is being remembered as a heartbreaking loss for his family and community. What should have been a simple walk home after dinner turned into a devastating tragedy that ended a young life far too soon. As the legal case moves forward, loved ones continue searching for answers while mourning a teenager they say deserved the chance to grow up and experience adulthood.
