Gay Veteran, DADT Advocate, Darren Manzella Killed in Car Crash

Darren Manzella was a combat medic and a counselor, a U.S. Army sergeant and, as of July, a newlywed.
 
But those who knew Manzella, who died in a car crash on Interstate 490 Thursday night, said his heroism extended beyond the battlefield.
 
On national television, Manzella challenged the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, becoming the face of gay servicemen and women before being discharged in 2008 for publicly discussing his sexual identity.
 
The policy was repealed in 2011, and a friend said Manzella — ever a proud soldier — had recently signed on as a reservist.

The crash that killed him began as a two-car collision in the westbound lanes of the highway in Pittsford, when Manzella’s car sideswiped another car about 8:30 p.m., according to Cpl. John Helfer of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Manzella, 36, stopped his car in the middle lane, got out and started pushing it from behind, Helfer said. A sport utility vehicle rear-ended the car, pinning Manzella between the two vehicles.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, Helfer said(Source)