On Friday October 29, 2010, 26-year-old Joseph Ruggiero died in an off-road vehicle crash in Roanoke, Virginia while working as a props assistant on the set of a film.

Joe helped found the pirate re-enacting group Sea Rats Atlantic and was a good friend to members of the Henricus Citie Militia.

Joe was a true free spirit and will truly be missed. The flag of the Phoenix will be flown at half mast for the next week in mourning for the loss of Joseph.