KNOX resident Benjamin Lee has suffered a major setback during his walk across the United States.
A fellow walker, who Ben met early in his journey, was killed when hit by a semi-trailer walking along the highway.
Joe, who was walking as a message to prevent youth suicide in memory of his son, and Ben walked across the Rocky Mountains together before parting ways.
Ben, 24, was understandably devastated by the news, and his mum Pauline back in Melbourne said she can’t wait for his trek to be over.
“I know it’s for a good cause,” she said.
“But news like this – that could have been Ben.
“We heard that the driver fell asleep behind the wheel.”
Ben is walking to raise money for Oxfam – and will continue the rest of his journey in memory of his friend Joe.
To make a donation visit my.oxfamamerica.org/10MillionSteps.