SANTA CRUZ, Calif - A family in Massachusetts is mourning the death of their son, 39-year old Josh Laven. He was killed while biking along Highway 1 in Santa Cruz. The driver left the scene, and Josh was found 12 hours later dead next to his dog.
More than 2,000 miles away on Skype, Josh Laven's family said they're looking for answers after someone hit and killed their son on his bicycle and then drove off. Josh's father, Jay says the family is still in shock after hearing news that their son was hit by a driver last week in Santa Cruz. "It's such a shock to try and wrap your head around like this. How somebody could have left him you know," says Putnam.
Josh was riding his friend's bicycle to remember him when a driver hit him on Highway 1 and Coast Road. "Basically he was on a pilgrimage to India and the first pledge was a memorial ride across the country in memory of his friend Jebodiah who has passed away earlier in the year," said Putnam.
He didn't even make it to San Francisco, and for at least 12 hours nobody saw him lying off the side of the road with his beloved terrier Ozziet. The dog stayed by his side the whole time waiting for help. Josh's family says the terrier always waited for Josh for everything and that they were best friends. "Actually we had him last year for five months when josh was in India studying yoga. All he did was wait for Josh to come home," said Putnam.
Josh was planning to take Ozziet to India this year so they wouldn't be separated again. On the phone his friend Kim said the pooch still misses the sound of Josh's voice. "When Ozziet heard Josh's voice he started wining which was really sad and I turned the video off and he kind of just hung his head down. I mean he's definitely depressed, he's confused and he doesn't really get what's going on," said Kim Derly.
For Ozziett and Josh's family things will never be the same. His mother, Jennifer Putnam says Josh was one of a kind. "He was just all over the place. He was just a noise maker and you know he could kind of get on your nerves but you just loved him too you know. He's just an entertainer," said Putnam.
