Joshua Savala, at age 27, passed away while walking to his job at Catholic Charities the morning of March 15, 2012. He was struck by a pickup truck whose driver fell asleep at the wheel and rolled up onto the sidewalk on Las Vegas Blvd. near Washington where he and a coworker were walking to work. Sadly, Josh was killed upon impact.

He is survived by half-sisters Angelica and Sahara Johnigan, half-brother Zachary Johnigan, mother Sheila Johnigan, and stepfather Jerrold Johnigan. He is also survived by high school friends Jason Vaughn and John Koehler of Las Vegas and Peter Jurisich of New Orleans. Joshua joined us at Chaparral in the year 2000, shortly after moving to Las Vegas from Kingman, AZ. He was originally from Los Angeles. Joshua graduated from Chaparral High in 2003. After graduation he held various jobs in restaurants in casinos. Despite the seeming lack of opportunity his life afforded him he always remained fiercely independent and focused, which was the quality of his I most admired. He briefly attended University of Phoenix courses in 2009 and trained to become a commercial truck driver, and ended up finding work driving donation pickups for Catholic Charities. He was about to receive a promotion at the time of his death.

Josh is truly missed among his friends and family, he was always willing to listen, when you lent him an ear as well. He was a dependable friend who no matter how long it had been since we last got together, was willing to make time for me and hang out. His friendship helped me persevere through college, whenever I needed a break from studying he was always there to relieve stress with his quirky sense of humor. He always encouraged me to do well too. A great friend indeed, God bless you Josh Savala and thank you for being there for me in your short time here... -Peter Jurisich