Multiple fatal crashes in Ohio over Labor Day weekend were related to impaired driving
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- When a person chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, that choice can impact a family’s life forever.
Just last week, that choice changed the lives of the family of Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed alongside his brother Matthew on Thursday. The siblings were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding bikes in their New Jersey hometown. This happened the day before they were set to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said in the days following their deaths over Labor Day weekend, there were six fatal crashes that were OVI related. The highway patrol said they arrested 378 people over the weekend for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Robert Kent, who lives in Grove City, said he knows the pain a drunk driver can cause all too well.
“I have been speaking about our tragedy for it'll be 20 years since Christmas and hoping that we continue to see some improvement," Kent said. "But it still happens every day. And it's like, uh oh. I get frustrated sometimes."
Christmas Day 2004 was supposed to be a happy day for Kent and his family. He said instead, a knock on their door changed their lives.
“I opened the door and there were five police officers standing at my front door and they informed me they needed to talk to me," Kent said. "And so, they came in before you were there, and my wife was on the stairs and two of my sons were behind her, and that's where they informed me that my son had been killed. This morning on 71 north by a drunk driver going the wrong way."
Kent's son Brandon was just 21 years old. He was in the car with his two friends, Luke and Josh, who were only 19. He said the person behind the wheel that killed the three young men was 28 at the time.
“I mean, this young man took three lives in an instant," Kent said. "They were just beginning the prime of their life. I call it a membership in a club you wouldn't want your worst enemy. It's that bad."
He said this tragedy has caused his family to grow closer, but also to deal with problems they never imagined. He said they have gone through counseling and that he's read studies about how losing a family member can impact a family.
Last week, he watched how one person’s choice can impact an entire city after the Gaurdaeu brothers were killed by the alleged drunk driver.
“When I heard this tragedy about these two hockey players, it just broke my heart. I mean, two young men, you know, and I hear they were really great people," Kent said.
Kent does everything he can to keep Brandon's memory alive through mementos and pictures, but also by sharing his story. Kent said he speaks at local high schools particularly around prom season.
“A couple of times after I got done talking, everybody left except these two or three that weren't looking at me and they come up and they're just bawl in their eyes," Kent said. "So they said, I could not look at you. And some of them have lost a brother or sister, so you never know. So I just pray that somebody, you know, it helps. And I think a lot of times it does."
He said he also talks to colleges and talks at addiction centers.
“A lot of people ask me, how can you keep talking about it? I said, well, if this story, this tragedy helps somebody to make a better decision, then we're making something positive versus, you know, all the bad stuff,” Kent said.
Kent said if you are going to drink make a plan ahead of time, whether that be a designated driver, an uber or even walking.
OSHP said if you see an impaired driver on the roads, you can call 677 to report it.