The heart-wrenching incident took place on November 11, leaving a family in New York devastated. According to the Highland Current, Joe Stubblefield, a 52-year-old father of seven, was tragically killed in a car accident allegedly caused by a drunk driver. The fatal collision occurred while Joe Stubblefield was traveling with his 7-year-old son.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office released a statement revealing that the incident happened on Route 9 near Stone Ridge Road. The alleged drunk driver, identified as 56-year-old Marcos Martinez, was driving northbound when his vehicle crossed over the double yellow line and collided with Stubblefield’s car. Stubblefield was driving southbound at the time.
Sadly, Joe Stubblefield succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident, while his 7-year-old son was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities arrested Martinez, charging him with vehicular manslaughter in the 2nd degree, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, and failure to use a designated lane, which is considered a traffic infraction.
Martinez was subsequently arraigned in the Town of Philipstown Court and is currently held at the Putnam County Correctional Facility on either $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond.
In the wake of the tragic incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Stubblefield’s grieving family. Described as an exceptional son, father, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, and friend, Stubblefield’s loss has left a void in the lives of many. The fundraiser emphasizes his loving nature and the profound impact he had on his seven sons, who are devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. The accident occurred just minutes after Stubblefield had bid farewell to his other three sons during a visit.
A family member, speaking to the Highland Current, revealed that Stubblefield had witnessed his 17-year-old son and the high school football team secure the Section I, Class D football title just a day before his untimely death. In honor of Stubblefield’s memory, the team plans to dedicate a regional game on November 17 to him.