Murder: John Axelrod Death – Obituary: Art Afficonado Killed in a hit-and-run incident
John Axelrod and his Australian terrier, Tale, were tragically killed in the Comm Ave Mall by William Haney, a man who deliberately drove his vehicle onto the Mall and struck them. While it’s common for people to exaggerate the legacies of the deceased, it is no overstatement to say that John and Tale were beloved figures in the community. They spent countless hours on the Mall daily, interacting with locals and their pets, becoming well-known to anyone who walked their dog there. John, always with treats on hand, was a friend to all, especially to my own dog, Barnaby, who adored him. John’s kindness extended beyond his interactions with animals—he was an art collector and philanthropist, donating nearly 450 pieces to the Museum of Fine Arts, including a significant collection of works by African American artists.
Despite his vast contributions, John was deeply humble and self-aware, acknowledging his passion for art as a personal “disease.” In an interview, he humorously responded to questions about selling his valuable art at discounted prices to the museum, explaining that he would rather donate than simply hoard. Contrary to what one might expect from someone so deeply involved in American art history, John was not a fervent advocate of contemporary social movements. He rejected the idea of art being defined by race, asserting that it was simply American art, previously undervalued due to racial biases. His worldview was not born out of ignorance or indifference to racism, but rather from a genuine desire to correct historical oversights, not by overcompensating in the opposite direction.
John had himself faced discrimination as a Jewish man in the 1950s, a fact that informed his outlook on equality. His focus remained on collecting art that was underappreciated—African American art in the past and graffiti art in his later years, which he believed was the next neglected genre.
When I first heard news of John and Tale’s deaths, my heart sank. Although the reports simply called it a “hit-and-run,” I knew that this was no mere accident. John was a man of great integrity and courage, qualities he shared with Tale, who was equally brave. I believe that in his final moments, John likely confronted his attacker, offering some last, well-deserved words before being struck down. John lived a life of courage, and if he did die from the impact, I trust that he did so with the knowledge that he had always stood up for what was right.
John and Tale made the ultimate sacrifice for their commitment to justice. I will honor their memory by continuing to fight against evil, just as they did. The loss of these two will leave a void in all of our lives, but their legacy of bravery and integrity will never be forgotten. As for William Haney, may he face justice for his actions. Even in death, Tale remains more honorable than the man who took their lives. His obituary details will not be announced shortly.