Randy L. Budd, a 55-year-old man from Uniontown, Ohio, tragically passed away on August 6, 2016. Randy was a loving husband to Sharon Budd and a devoted father to their four children: Luke, James, Joey, and Kaylee. He was also a supportive brother and a loyal friend. Randy was known for his strength and devotion, especially after his wife Sharon was severely injured in a rock-throwing incident in 2014.
Sharon Budd was driving with Randy and their daughter Kaylee on Interstate 80 in
Pennsylvania when a large rock was thrown from an overpass, crashing through the windshield and striking Sharon in the face. The impact left Sharon with severe brain damage, the loss of her right eye, and the inability to handle everyday tasks. Randy became an advocate for protective fencing on highway overpasses to prevent similar tragedies.
Two years after Sharon's injury, Randy Budd died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Uniontown, Ohio. His death was ruled a suicide, but Union County District Attorney D. Peter Johnson stated that Randy was another victim of the teenagers who threw the rock that injured Sharon. The incident led to the arrest and conviction of four teenagers: Dylan Lahr, Keefer McGee, Tyler Porter, and Brett Lahr. Dylan and Keefer were sentenced to prison, while Tyler received a shorter jail sentence.
Randy's death deeply affected his family and the community, who remembered him as a loving husband, devoted father, and supportive friend. His advocacy for highway safety measures and his unwavering support for his wife during her recovery left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
