 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (October 2024) |
Justin Yoder | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 9, 1986 Middlebury, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | September 15, 2024 (aged 37) Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. |
| Spouse | Stephanie Yoder |
| Parent(s) | Myron (father) Sheila (mother) |
| Relatives | Seth (brother) |
Justin Ross Yoder (November 9, 1986 – September 15, 2024) was an American soapbox racer. He was the first child with a disability to drive a soapbox in the All American Soapbox Derby. In 1996, he challenged the regulations to allow children with disabilities to use a hand brake instead of the required foot brake. Thanks to him, regulations were changed. The hand brake is now called the Justin Brake in his honor.[1]
Yoder had spina bifida and hydrocephalus. His story is told in the film Miracle in Lane 2 starring Frankie Muniz.[2]
Yoder was a Mennonite and attended the same church as the film's screenwriters Don Yost and Joel Kauffmann.[3]
Yoder was a student at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, and majored in American Sign Language Interpreting.
Yoder was involved in a serious car collision on September 14, 2024, after another driver being pursued by police at high speed struck the vehicle in which Yoder was riding. He died the following day from his injuries, at the age of 37.[4][5]
- ^ Gagnon, Dawn (1998-06-12). "Bucksport boy gears up for Soap Box Derby. Special brake lets 11-year-old compete". Bangor Daily News (Maine).
- ^ "Three Disney Channel Shows Receive Nominations for 2001 Humanitas Prize". Business Wire. 2001-06-15.
- ^ Roll It: GC Alums strike success in soap box racing and celluloid, Goshen College Bulletin, September 2000.
- ^ Carrol, Joe (27 September 2024). "Driver involved in chase that ended in deadly crash near Ligonier arrested, police say".
- ^ Obituary | Justin Yoder | Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Justin Yoder Obituary, September 2024.