It is a sad day. One of my best friends, Dr. Jose Gonzalez, died yesterday when he crashed his new Viper coupe on his way back from NPR. From what I understand, he was passing a car on Hwy. 3127 when he lost control of the car and it spun off the road and flipped. Some of you'll may have known Jose. He used to drive a Black 2001 Z06. I have known him since high school at Archbishop Shaw and he has always loved sports cars just like myself. He was very involved in SCCA autocrossing and he participated in some NPR events. He just recently purchased the black Viper coupe. He leaves behind a wife and 2 young children. Kent
Was he the Ortho Doc. that had the 456 in English Turn? That name sounds familiar. DAMN! Sorry to hear that. 3127 can be a real nasty road. RIP Dave
That is a shame. I know what its like to lose a friend in a car crash, so my condolencies go out to all that knew him.
Damn! I knew Jose very well and autocrossed against him for many years. He was a very good and safe driver and this is a real shame. Does anyone know when the services will be held? Bob
I will post the time and place of the services as soon as I know them. The arrangements are being made this evening. Kent
This is really sad. I've met him a couple of autocrosses with his really loud Z06. He was a really nice guy.
R.I.P. That really is tragic. I think we all know life is fragile. Last week, a friend of mine just lost his friend and spouse who also happend to be his Ferrari Mechanic to a small plane crash. Just got is license, broke the wings off in fog.
I also had a good friend die in a car accident 2 weeks ago--he was only 19 years old. I am very saddened by you your loss. RIP.
For anyone that knew Jose and would like to pay their respects, here is a copy of the Memorial that was in the Times Picayune. A Memorial is being held by his cousins at Timberlane Country Club next Thursday from 6 - 9 p.m. Obviously, I will be there. Kent Image Unavailable, Please Login
Below is the last photo of Jose, taken approximately five minutes before this terrible tragedy occured. We met up with him, also on the way home from a day at the road races at NPR, visiting with our friends and shooting the races with my son, Shawn. We had spoken with Jose only a couple hours earlier at NPR. He was typical Jose; joking, laughing, enjoying life. Shortly after we caught up with him on 3127, we passed him by, set the cruise control with Jose and another friend behind, settling in for the long ride home. After clearing the bumpy section of road and approximately 2.5 miles from the intersection of 3127 and La 20 in Vacherie, Jose passed us and kept going. He subsequently lost control when turning back into our lane to avoid an oncoming vehicle, got airborne and crashed. And then he was gone. When we finally got our cars stopped on the grass and mud, we ran to him, but there was nothing we could do. It was the most helpless feeling that I have ever had, to watch this happen to a friend and not be able to do a damned thing about it. I still struggle with it almost three weeks later. Jose had an infectious smile and everyone who I knew that ever met him, liked him immediately. He was "that" guy. I miss him terribly, as many of us do. I feel so much for his family, extended family and friends. For any of you here who would care to read rememberances posted by Jose's friends you can do so at http://www.autoxforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2174 I used to call Jose 'Doc' out of respect for his profession and all that it took for him to attain his position. The photo below is my personal good-bye to Doc. Peace, Curtis Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very sad to hear another Viper driver has lost his life. Up here a while ago the journalist driving a Viper hit a hydro pole and lost his life. Another young Viper coupe owner lost control on a four lane highway. He went airborne and crossed a grass median where he was hit broadside by oncoming traffic. Unfortunately they will not be the last... ch
