I had already left and just sent an email back saying "Well I already left and I'll be in Duluth for a while. I'll talk to you when I get back." I think the boss realized he was being a dick because it was never mentioned again. I think you might be right, discomfort plus not knowing how to handle the situation.

He survived the crash but is quadriplegic now. He was very lucky though, his two best friends died.