Googler Steve Lacey Killed by Drunk Driver

Steve Lacey, a software developer working at Google died on Sunday, after being involved in a car wreck.

According to Kirkland, Washington’s KING 5 News (via GeekWire) State troopers indicated that Lacey was an innocent victim of road rage and a driver who had been drinking. The suspect, according to the report, may be charged with vehicular homicide once he is released from the hospital. It quotes Trooper Jeff Merrill as saying, “The driver that was struck and killed had nothing to do with this incident.”

Lacey leaves behind a wife of ten years and two children, which he lovingly mentioned in his bio on his website. According to the bio, he worked on the backend systemsm for Google Apps, building infrastructure, and was also working on some projects that were not yet announced. He also had a stint at Facebook, and worked for Microsoft and SwitchGear Software.

Lacey’s passing is being mourned on Twitter.

@cdibona
Chris DiBonaDamn. RIP Steve Lacey: http://t.co/rAGnDKL 5 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto

@geeksean
Sean LinRIP Steve Lacey, you will be missed for your works on MS Flight Sim and being a geek of geeks at #Google. 1 hour ago via Twitter for Mac · powered by @socialditto

@frankreed
Frank ReedStories like this make you both incredibly sad and angry all at once. We have to calm down. http://bit.ly/n7KtK7 2 hours ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto

Tech celebrity Robert Scoble went so far as to put together a heartfelt eulogy for Lacey on Google+, where many others have commented to express their condolences:

@Scobleizer
Robert ScobleMy thoughts about Steve Lacy: http://t.co/HL2TeQK 3D Pioneer and really great guy. We will miss him. 4 hours ago via Twitter for Mac · powered by @socialditto

WebProNews sends our deepest sympathies to Lacey’s friends and family in their time of loss.

There are 6 Comments. Add Yours.

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Adsense Publisher
July 25, 2011 at 2:20 pm

It’s very sad that a possible drunk driver going after another car for allegedly cutting him off got Steve Lacey killed. Sorry to see him go, and especially in that way. He was one of the great ones and will be missed.

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Correction
July 25, 2011 at 3:05 pm

Please correct the language to remove the inference that there was anything accidental about the behavior of the driver who killed Mr Lacey. That’s wildly inaccurate and untrue. This was not an “accident”.

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  Toto
  July 25, 2011 at 4:12 pm
  
  So you know all the facts already. Let’s call the police station over there and a judge and tell them that you “correction” says to lock the guy up for life and throw away the key.
  
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    Chris Crum
    July 25, 2011 at 4:43 pm
    
    While I agree about the the lack of “all the facts,” I changed the word “accident” to “wreck,” as that does appear to be a more factual description anyway.
    
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Gwen Harris
July 25, 2011 at 8:10 pm

Although I did not know Steve at all, I am grieving for his family. I was driving east on 85th Street in Kirkland on Sunday as the accident happened. I saw it and felt SO helpless. Be assured, dear widow and his darling children, that I am praying for you. I did not sleep well last night as I thought of you. My prayer for you is that you will be surprised by the loving presence of God as you work through your grief. May you experience His amazing favor as you embrace life without your sweetheart and dad. I understand grief and grieve with you. Be assured that my prayers will continue with you indefinitely. You are loved. God is with you.

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  mouse
  July 26, 2011 at 4:13 pm
  
  I’m so sorry you had to bear witness to such a horrific wreck. I’ve been there and it sucks. Cyber hugs, stranger.