On September 4, 2019, our son Cody Winton was killed in a tragic car accident, leaving his two small children, then eighteen months and nearing four years old, without their loving, invested, and proud Daddy. He had come to the decision to file for legal separation just weeks before his death. He spent all of his last few months making sure he was looking out for the best interests of his children and created a calm and peaceful space for them at his apartment for their visitation times with him prior to his untimely death. He provided routines, consistency, focused attention, and love. He was a very unselfish and loving Dad constantly looking out for his kids and their welfare, always putting his own needs on the back burner and theirs first.

Cody Winton was a bright, fun, witty and talented young man. He was extremely gifted in music, honest and thoughtful in communication, a brilliant self-taught software engineer, and was an excellent friend and co-worker. He was a joy to be around for family and friends alike and left behind an indelible imprint on the lives of everyone he came in contact with from his earliest toddlerhood up until the day of his death.

Cody's car accident was eventually ruled a wrongful death due to contractor negligence in the San Mateo County Courts in December 2021. Randy and Lisa Winton and their family were not parties to this action, nor did they receive any funds from Cody's estate or the wrongful death lawsuit.

In early 2024, 4 1/2 years after Cody's death, the Wintons found themselves in need of seeking help from the courts in a matter directly related to Cody’s death so his young children could maintain their strong bonds and relationships with their father’s side of the family.

As a result of this ongoing necessarily litigated matter, the Wintons have incurred in excess of $80,000 of legal fees in a very short time with no current end in sight. They have drained their savings, cashed out retirement funds, are in significant debt and are now out of resources, limiting them in their ability to continue the battle in this crucial and ongoing matter near and dear to their hearts.

If those of you who loved Cody are able, please help the Wintons recover from and remain in this battle with your ongoing prayers, and if you are so lead, with some monetary help. Should you be interested in more specific details of this matter, please message or email me privately and I am happy to provide a more substantive explanation.