A fatal text message, being written by a young man just before he died crashing his car, has been released by police in a photo authorities and the young man's parents hope will act as a warning to other drivers to put away their cell phones when driving.

Twenty-two year old Alexander Heit, a student from the University of Northern Colorado, was replying to a message from a friend as he was driving in Greeley. However, the distraction caused him to veer out of his lane and crash his car.

Authorities have described that before Heit could finish his message he drifted into oncoming traffic without realizing it.

Heit did eventually realize what was happening but it was already too late - he is said to have jerked his steering wheel - but his car went flying off the road and rolled over in a horrific crash. The crash left Heit with fatal injuries, and he died shortly after on April 3 following the crash in Greeley.

The tragedy has highlighted the continuing problem of drivers using their cell phones while driving.

The young man's iPhone was found in the wreckage of his crashed car, and authorities found the phone still working with a text message half written. Heit's parents and police are now hoping that a photo of the fatal text message he was typing when he crashed will serve as a warning to others and hopefully save lives.

A photo was snapped of the phone and text message and has been published Wednesday in The Greeley Tribune. The photo shows that Heit was responding to a friend typing, "Sounds good my man, seeya soon" followed by a few unfinished letters, which is when the crash took place.

Heit's mother has released a statement through the police, telling others that texting while driving can "tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you."