Authorities say road rage may have sparked a stabbing that killed a beloved grandfather in Orange County Thursday. 

Joel Laddy, 74, was fatally stabbed in the chest with a steak knife by 22-year-old Horace Duke, according to police. 

The two men were allegedly seen getting out of their cars and fighting on the 119 exit ramp off Route 17 in the town of Wallkill.   

Police say Laddy and Duke both drove off after the altercation and that the victim was found nearby at a gas station. 

The victim’s daughter, Patricia Parker, says her family is heartbroken and gave News 12 pictures of her father and their family. 

She issued a statement saying, “He lived for his children and grandchildren. He was the last of a dying breed. We are truly devastated as a family.” 

Duke’s neighbors in Middletown say they’re shocked. 

“I did see the cops here yesterday,” said one woman. “A little too close to home.” 

The 22-year-old suspect was newly engaged and played football for Middletown High School in 2015 and 2016. 

Middletown School Superintendent Amy Creeden issued a statement saying, "It’s terrible when any young person is involved in a life altering situation. We pour into our youth, so our hearts break when a young person has difficult times.” 

Duke is charged with murder and is being held at Orange County Jail without bail until his next court appearance Nov. 2. 

Police say he was found down the road from the scene and arrested. 

Laddy leaves behind two adult children, 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.