On Tuesday April 6th, 1999, the communities of Kill Devil Hills, NC and Burlington County NJ were shattered by a terrible car crash. A drunken driver with a previous history of drunk driving arrests ran a red light in Kill Devil Hills and slammed into a car carrying five teenagers. One of the teens lived in NC, the other four had come from Burlington County, NJ, to visit. The teenagers Megan Blong, Amanda Geiger, Shana Lawler, and Angela McGrady all died as a result of the crash. Mike Horner received serious injuries, but survived. The drunken driver received minor injuries and was charged with DWI and other offenses.
|
|
|
Click on the flower for graphic photos of the accident scene and the two vehicles:
|
|||
|
|
The charges were later upgraded to four counts of second degree murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. Her trial began January 10, 2000, in Manteo, North Carolina, and on Friday, January 14, the 30 year-old was found guilty on all counts. She was sentenced to a minimum of 60 years in prison.
|
Read the Impact Statements presented in court by the families of each teen: |
A candlelight vigil was held at Kill Devil Hills on May 22, 2000. To read what was presented by each family, click here: |
| Angela's Mother | Megan's Father | Amanda's Family | Megan's Family | |
| Amanda's Father | Shana's Mother | Mike's Family | Shana's Family | |
| Mike's Father | Shana's Father |
The parents of Megan Blong, Amanda Geiger, Shana Lawler, Angela McGrady, and Mike Horner have established a memorial fund called Precious Gems.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
The Precious Gems Memorial is a non-profit corporation dedicated to working with our communities to increase public awareness of the dangers of Drinking and Driving.
OUR VISION:
It is the Vision of the Precious Gems Memorial, Inc., to save lives by protecting our communities from Drunk Drivers. We do this first and foremost by working with our communities to increase public awareness of the dangers of Drunk Driving. We speak to young people in high schools, we speak before gatherings of adults, and we stage or participate in community-based events where we can distribute literature and talk to people about making a commitment to safe driving and responsible alcohol consumption.
The Precious Gems Memorial is dedicated to working with legislators to enact and enforce tough laws against Drinking and Driving, and strict punishment for Drunk Drivers. We meet with legislators and propose legislative agendas designed to close the many loopholes that often let offenders slip through the Criminal Justice system. The Memorial supports a national .08 Blood Alcohol Content intoxication standard.
The Precious Gems Memorial is dedicated to keeping the memory of our girls alive. On April 6th, 1999, Megan Blong, Amanda Geiger, Shana Lawler, and Angela McGrady were all killed by the same drunk driver. Each one was in her own way a shining example of youth, hope, and love of life. It is important that people know how much was lost in just one senseless act of criminal recklessness. Our uncompromising intolerance for Drunk Driving is dedicated in loving memory to them.
For more information or to leave a message, contact:
In New Jersey |
Billboards have been placed |
In North Carolina |
It is the goal of the founders to urge communities to become actively involved in Drunken Driving awareness. We are often involved with programs or events which promote this idea. Your participation in these events can help make your community a safer place to live.
2007 Pineland Striders Independence 5K Results
2007 Pineland Striders Independence 1 Mile Run Results
WHAT CAN YOU DOIF YOU BECOME A VICTIM OF A DRUNK DRIVER?Take advice from RIDWhat if you need help NOW??
|
Click photo to enlarge |
We would like to thank
Susana
Garcia-Ruiz
of Hampton HS in Virginia who created this acrostic poem in memory of our girls. What can you do to help?
|
Donations to the Precious Gems Memorial can be sent to:
|
Precious Gems Memorial, Inc.
P.O. Box 1232 Medford, NJ 08055 |
Our ADDRESSES page provides some names, addresses, telephone numbers, and websites for public officials to whom you can write letters and express your concerns regarding Drunken Driving. It even has an example of a letter you can copy into your computer. Pick up the phone, send them an email, or write them a letter today.
PENNSYLVANIADIAL 1-800-TAKE KEYS(1-800-825-3539) |
NEW JERSEY:ON YOUR CELL PHONE PRESS *911FROM ANY OTHER PHONE, DIAL 1-888-SAF-ROAD |
NORTH CAROLINAON YOUR CELL PHONE PRESS *HP (*47)FOR HIGHWAY PATROL |
|
Kenneth W. Birdwell was killed by a drunk driver on October 25, 1998. He was riding his motorcycle when he was hit; the driver of the other vehicle said he never saw him. Ken was killed instantly. He is survived by his wife, Debbi, and two sons, Jason, 23, and Steve, 19. The victim impact statement presented by Jason at the trial is not only a loving tribute to his father, but a touching example of just what a drunk driver has taken away.
|
|
Links to what others are doing about this growing problem:
|
Links to other useful information:
|
||||
|
The purpose of this web site is to assist us in raising awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. Feel free to use any of our information or photographs in your efforts to further that mission!
|
||
Last updated
|
Web site of the month March 2006 |
||
