Drunk Driving Victims Remembered at Candlelight Vigil
By: Jessica Reyes
Updated: December 14, 2011
An eight-year-old Abilene boy who was killed in a drunk driving crash in May was remembered at a vigil Wednesday night.
People who have lost loved ones to drunk driving gathered at the Grace Museum to share stories and offer support.
"This is happening everyday, and there are so many families that are affected by it," said Michelle Mantanona, who lost her son in May.
Jarrett Mantanona was killed when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit their family's car.
"It's defintely been a challenge. Some days are really hard. I've found myself breaking down in public more than once," Mantanona said.
James Gilger, who was 18 at the time, caused the crash that killed Jarrett. He pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter last Thursday and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
"It gave a sense of closure, but at the same time, nothing that we do is ever going to bring him back," Mantanona said.
After Michelle shared her story, others got up to speak about their loved ones killed by drunk driving.
"I think anytime you come together with multiple individuals who might have experienced the same thing as you, it allows you an opportunity to kind of see what grief coping tips worked for them," said Amanda Eldredge, a victim advocate for MADD.
Now, Michelle and her family are focusing on Jarrett's Law, a movement they've started for stricter penalties for drunk drivers.
"If we can change things and save even one life, then it's worth our fighting for it. And at least maybe in that way I can keep Jarrett alive," she said.
Michelle said she hopes to have a tangible bill for Jarrett's Law written up a year from now.
People who have lost loved ones to drunk driving gathered at the Grace Museum to share stories and offer support.
"This is happening everyday, and there are so many families that are affected by it," said Michelle Mantanona, who lost her son in May.
Jarrett Mantanona was killed when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit their family's car.
"It's defintely been a challenge. Some days are really hard. I've found myself breaking down in public more than once," Mantanona said.
James Gilger, who was 18 at the time, caused the crash that killed Jarrett. He pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter last Thursday and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
"It gave a sense of closure, but at the same time, nothing that we do is ever going to bring him back," Mantanona said.
After Michelle shared her story, others got up to speak about their loved ones killed by drunk driving.
"I think anytime you come together with multiple individuals who might have experienced the same thing as you, it allows you an opportunity to kind of see what grief coping tips worked for them," said Amanda Eldredge, a victim advocate for MADD.
Now, Michelle and her family are focusing on Jarrett's Law, a movement they've started for stricter penalties for drunk drivers.
"If we can change things and save even one life, then it's worth our fighting for it. And at least maybe in that way I can keep Jarrett alive," she said.
Michelle said she hopes to have a tangible bill for Jarrett's Law written up a year from now.
