Daughter born to driver in fatal crash
Detective says speed is primary focus of investigation in accident that claimed the lives of 2 locals
Joel Thomas Godfrey was 48 hours from becoming a father when he was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash in Valencia that also claimed the life of 18-yearold Collin Gore.
The two men, each a resident of Santa Clarita, died in a two-car traffic collision on McBean Parkway near Decoro Drive in the early hours of July 4th.
After two days of probing the circumstances surrounding the crash, speed remains the primary factor in the crash and, specifically, the speed of the car operated by Godfrey.
“The primary focus of the investigation is the speed of the BMW,” Traffic Investigator Detective Jeff Maag of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station’s Traffic Section told The Signal Wednesday referring to the car driven by Godfrey.
In the days leading up to the crash, Godfrey, 34, was excited about becoming a father for the first time.
On July 6, about 48 hours after the fatal crash, Godfrey’s daughter, Aria Anne Godfrey, was born.
“He was excited to be a dad,” said a photographer who took photos of the newborn.
Godfrey’s family shared news of the baby on a website set up to raise money for the young family. After nine days, more than $9,000 had been raised for Godfrey’s widow, Kim.
Joel Godfrey’s aunt, Cherry Hammond who manages the Gofundme website, posted: “On July 4th, my nephew, Joel Godfrey, lost his life in a car accident.
“Joel was a loving husband to Kimmy Godfrey and a soon to be father, of a precious baby girl, any day now. My heart is broken because his daughter will never get to know her father and he’ll never get to hold his baby girl.
“I hate that I have to create a Gofundme account because I realize the struggles and hardships that many of you face daily, but I humbly ask for your help for assistance for his wife and unborn baby.
“No amount is too small and it is greatly appreciated. “God bless you all.” Hammond updated the website with news of the little girl’s birth.
She wrote: “After a very long, challenging labor and delivery, meet Aria Anne Godfrey. This is a bittersweet moment. Mom and baby are doing good, thank the Lord!
I’m overwhelmed at the love and support shown to Kimmy and baby Aria, during this difficult time for our family. Joel would have been so happy. I don’t have the words or can’t thank each and every one of you enough, for your thoughts, prayers and generosity.”
Funeral arrangements are pending for Joel, until Kimmy and Aria are released from the hospital.