It’s a common scene in movies: one person sacrifices himself for a loved one, takes a bullet meant for another or jumps in the way of a blade. Perhaps it was fate that on Sept. 4, Relic Entertainment Games’ lead designer, Brian Wood, reenacted such a moment when he managed to save the lives of his wife and their unborn child. Brian was one of the minds behind several of Relic’s recent hit games, including Company of Heroes.

Brian and his wife, Erin, were on their way home in Washington State when their car was struck by an oncoming Trailblazer SUV. Brian saved his wife’s life by making a hard turn, putting his side of the car to the impacting vehicle. Though the act cost Brian his life, Erin and their unborn child were spared.

Erin was hospitalized following the event, but has since been released and is reportedly doing well.

To help support his surviving family, Relic Entertainment has founded the Brian Wood Memorial Trust. Anyone who would like to contribute to the trust can do so online by going to brianwoodmemorialtrust.com.

As someone who spent so much time bringing excitement and entertainment to others, through his work on the Company of Heroes series, it’s only fitting that Brian would leave this world as a hero.

By: Michael Cividanes

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