Who Was Joe Bell?
Joe Bell was an American man from Idaho who gained national attention for a cross-country walk intended to promote kindness and anti-bullying. He set out on foot in 2013 to raise awareness about the impact of bullying after his son, Joseph "Joe" Bell, was bullied at school.
Timeline of the Joe Bell Story
In September 2013, Joe Bell began walking across the United States with a sign reading "Bullying Must Stop." His journey drew media coverage and public support. On October 9, 2013, he was struck and killed by a semi-truck on Interstate 80 in Colorado, ending his walk tragically early.
Legacy and Impact
After his death, the Joe Bell story inspired national conversations about bullying prevention and mental health. His family continued advocacy work, and his walk was honored in documentaries and news reports. The incident also highlighted pedestrian safety on highways. For more details, see the PBS NewsHour coverage of his walk and legacy.
