I suspected this man's tragic ending and, to confirm, I asked ChatGPT about his demise:
What were the details about his assault?
ChatGPT said:
Here are the known details regarding the assault on Richard G. Madeo, age 70:
📅 Incident Overview
Date & time: May 6, around 12:25 p.m.
Location: In the parking lot of a shopping plaza on the 500 block of West Washington Street in Sequim—near Westside Pizza and Safeway gas pumps
Sequence of Events
Initial contact: According to suspect Aaron C. Fisher (36, of Port Townsend), he was walking across the driveway when Madeo drove up quickly, stopped about 1–2 feet away, and they exchanged hand gestures and shouting
Physical confrontation: Madeo allegedly stopped his truck, got out, and approached Fisher. Fisher admitted he punched Madeo “square in the chin,” claiming self-defense (“I’ve been in a hundred fights… I know where”), which knocked Madeo to the ground
Injury: Madeo fell, hit his head, and was found with a fresh laceration on the back of his head and bleeding from the mouth. He was conscious but unresponsive
Medical Response & Outcome
Emergency response: Sequim Police and Clallam County Fire District 3 responded. Madeo was airlifted via Life Flight to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle
Condition at hospital: He was placed on life support and exhibited minimal brain activity. He passed away on Thursday following the incident
Legal & Investigative Status
Arrest: Fisher was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of second‑degree assault
Release: He was released around May 9 as the investigation continued; the case remains open with evidence being reviewed by detectives and the King County Medical Examiner
Evidence: No clear video captured the punch, but Fisher’s confession and the resulting head injury support the charge
Mr. Madeo's epitaph is a story of two individuals: One is a career criminal who has spent his entire life inside criminal courtrooms and the other involves a man who produced beauty through his art. Fisher had numerous convictions and arrests and just before the incident he was dating a young girl. Should not the first priority of any government agency be to protect citizens? I guarantee if Mr. Madeo had prevailed in the altercation he would be sitting inside a jail cell now.
Yes, a beautiful celebration of life is due, especially in this case, and it will be important for those who are suffering this tragic loss and the community at large~! Sincerely, Mike
Thank you for the information, Jeff. We will be in attendance. And thank you for the clarity below in this chat, about the original situation that led to his death. Yes Madeo was angry, but didn't deserve a punch in the face.
Thank you for the community announcement, Jeff. I will be there, too.
I will attend. Thanks for the story.
What an incredible man Rich was! Thank you for letting us get to know him! Prayers for comfort for his wife and daughter and family and friends.
Thank you Jeff, this is what being a community is all about.
A beautifully written article and invitation to view Richard’s art. Thank you for sharing the information and to those who organized this celebration.
I suspected this man's tragic ending and, to confirm, I asked ChatGPT about his demise:
What were the details about his assault?
ChatGPT said:
Here are the known details regarding the assault on Richard G. Madeo, age 70:
📅 Incident Overview
Date & time: May 6, around 12:25 p.m.
Location: In the parking lot of a shopping plaza on the 500 block of West Washington Street in Sequim—near Westside Pizza and Safeway gas pumps
Sequence of Events
Initial contact: According to suspect Aaron C. Fisher (36, of Port Townsend), he was walking across the driveway when Madeo drove up quickly, stopped about 1–2 feet away, and they exchanged hand gestures and shouting
Physical confrontation: Madeo allegedly stopped his truck, got out, and approached Fisher. Fisher admitted he punched Madeo “square in the chin,” claiming self-defense (“I’ve been in a hundred fights… I know where”), which knocked Madeo to the ground
Injury: Madeo fell, hit his head, and was found with a fresh laceration on the back of his head and bleeding from the mouth. He was conscious but unresponsive
Medical Response & Outcome
Emergency response: Sequim Police and Clallam County Fire District 3 responded. Madeo was airlifted via Life Flight to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle
Condition at hospital: He was placed on life support and exhibited minimal brain activity. He passed away on Thursday following the incident
Legal & Investigative Status
Arrest: Fisher was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of second‑degree assault
Release: He was released around May 9 as the investigation continued; the case remains open with evidence being reviewed by detectives and the King County Medical Examiner
Evidence: No clear video captured the punch, but Fisher’s confession and the resulting head injury support the charge
Mr. Madeo's epitaph is a story of two individuals: One is a career criminal who has spent his entire life inside criminal courtrooms and the other involves a man who produced beauty through his art. Fisher had numerous convictions and arrests and just before the incident he was dating a young girl. Should not the first priority of any government agency be to protect citizens? I guarantee if Mr. Madeo had prevailed in the altercation he would be sitting inside a jail cell now.
Why wasn’t this criminal prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law?
Our completely out of balance justice system, installed by Soros and other Marxists.
Yes, a beautiful celebration of life is due, especially in this case, and it will be important for those who are suffering this tragic loss and the community at large~! Sincerely, Mike
What a nice tribute to this man. His life was stolen from him and it needs to be remembered and honored.
I'll be there.
Sad he was taken early.
Beautiful
I'll be there
Actually, Rich's daughter Amara wrote the obituary. She's always been a great writer.
Thank you for sharing this and the beautiful piece you wrote. It was very moving.
Carol
This is lovely and I will be there in spirit. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.
Thank you for the information, Jeff. We will be in attendance. And thank you for the clarity below in this chat, about the original situation that led to his death. Yes Madeo was angry, but didn't deserve a punch in the face.
We plan on attending.