Joe Eugene Cleere, 57, of Auburn, Alabama, died on June 4, 2019, after his motorcycle was struck at the intersection of Wire Road and Cox Road. He was a longtime Auburn University Libraries employee, remembered in obituaries and university remembrances for steady service and quiet dedication that made his loss notable across campus.

Authorities arrested 28-year-old George H. Shearer III of Montgomery at the scene on June 4, 2019; early reports said he was charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene with injuries. Investigators later filed a murder charge in connection with Cleere’s death, an escalation from the initial traffic-related allegations.

Cleere’s death is recorded both as a fatal traffic collision and as the basis for a criminal homicide prosecution. If anyone knew Joe Cleere, worked with him at the university, or has information about the crash, please share what is known.