By Jessica Jerreat PUBLISHED: 00:00 EST, 29 January 2013 | UPDATED: 03:23 EST, 11 October 2013 A grieving father has been run over and killed during an attempt to walk across America in a campaign against homophobic bullying after his gay son took his own life earlier this year. Joe Bell was struck by a truck in eastern Colorado on Wednesday evening as he walked along the shoulder of a highway. The 48-year-old from Oregon began his 5,000-mile walk in April to raise awareness about gay rights after the death of his 15-year-old son Jadin in January. Double tragedy: Joe Bell was hit by a car as he walked across the U.S. in memory of his son Jadin
@highlight
Joe Bell was on his way to give a talk about bullying when he was run over
@highlight
Driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, police say
@highlight
48-year-old began journey in April to honor Jadin and raise awareness
@highlight
For support on suicide matters call the National Suicide Prevention Helpine on 1-800-273-8255 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Support: @placeholder's father decided to embark on the walk as a way to deal with his grief