Saturday, October 15, 2011

TRAGEDY


This is a shrine, probably about a mile or less from where I live.

Wednesday evening, around 7:30, a vehicle was being driven at a high rate of speed, went out of control and overturned on the passenger side.  A 12 year old boy who was a passenger was ejected and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.  Another passenger, a 9 year old boy, had a broken leg.  The 21 year old driver of the car suffered only minor injuries.  He is in jail, facing a number of serious charges.  Police say drugs and alcohol may have been involved.

These shrines erected at the site of fatal accidents have been growing.  I can remember seeing much more simple ones from much earlier days.  This one has stuffed animals, notes to the deceased, candles and other decorations.

It was a tragedy, regardless of the cause, for many people.  The driver of the vehicle probably will go to prison.  The 9 year old will be haunted by the experience for years.  The family and friends of the dead boy will suffer.  And a young life has been snuffed out for no good reason.

It is all very, very sad.

8 comments:

stephen Hayes said...

Yes it is very very sad. Whenever I see these shrines on the side of the road I'm reminded that driving is a privilege not a right, and I take extra caution to slow down, pay attention to what I'm doing, drive safely and give thanks for my good fortune.

Jerry said...

The story is truly devastating. Sometimes when I see a little white cross along side the road, my heart tugs at the horrible story behind it.

Thérèse said...

No word.

Charlestonjoan said...

How terribly sad. Lives ruined even for the survivors.

Meggie said...

When I see these shrines, I wonder at the lessons they might remind folk about.

Lucy said...

A wretched business.

I know some people are uncomfortable with these shrines, but I really think when they are in dangerous spots they can remind us to take more care, which I suppose won't stop out-of-control drivers, but might just make much difference in another situation.

The Bug said...

I pass such a shrine on my way to work every day. A sheriff's deputy was hit by a car as he was putting up stop sticks to stop the very guy who killed him. The guy was in a high speed car chase.

Judy said...

Do very sad......