My name is Lori Markowitz and I’m the proud mom of Josh Markowitz, only 27 years old, tragically killed by an impaired driver on February 6th, 2021 in Los Angeles.

The reckless, selfish behavior of the defendant handed Josh a death sentence and a life sentence for our family. The defendant was charged in California Superior Court on four counts.
1) Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated
2) Fleeing a Pursuing Police Officer’s Motor Vehicle Causing Death
3) Hit and Run Resulting in Death or Serious Injury
4) Hit and Run Resulting in Property Damage.

ALL PREVENTABLE, this is indeed a “Public Crisis”!!!

We Save Lives understands what families are confronted with where in a flash a precious life is taken away and everything in life turns painful, excruciating, a title wave of sorrow. Sadly I will never be the same again.
We have to find a myriad of ways to help keep people safe on the roads. This is a national crisis, such a high level of PREVENTABLE motor vehicle deaths is incontrovertible, this is now my calling.

The happiest days of my life was when my son Josh and daughter Jessica were born. I’m currently a shattered bereaved mom whose 27 year old son was violently killed in less than a second and now dedicating my life to make sure this never happens again to any other family.

I’m permanently damaged, emotionally, physically and psychologically. February 6th was the darkest day of my life all due to a 100% preventable catastrophe. Despite the fact I’m struggling to get out of bed in the morning I do want to be there for others. Especially mothers who also lost a child to an unfathomable traffic fatality.
Why did we have to say goodbye to Josh? Josh’s smile lit up the room. Josh was very kind and giving, in 27 years he did more acts of compassion than most do in a lifetime At the age of 15, Josh was a panelist at the Seeds of Compassion conference with Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama discussing compassion, tolerance and world unity. The question Josh posed to the Nobel Peace Prize dignitaries. I was so very proud of him.
After graduation from high school Josh interned for WA State Senator Maria Cantwell in Washington DC, he then went to University of Southern California.
Josh, you always told me how proud you were of our family’s commitment and passion to help others. We will keep you legacy alive, I promise.
I will advocate, do what I can all in Josh’s honor, he did not die in vain.

“SMILE THINK LOVE” Joshua Samuel Markowitz