Saturday, April 5 was a seemingly normal day. On April 5, Mario Chalmers and the Kansas Jayhawks routed the North Carolina Tar Heels to advance to the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. The 2008 election year, on April 5, Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain were still campaigning to win their party nominations.On April 5, the Pittsburgh Pirates were still losing badly. They lost to the Florida Marlins 7-3.On April 5, 2008, 12-year-old Tia Wright was struck and killed instantly by a drunk driver.
Tia Wright and friend Taylor Childers were on their way to a friends house when they were struck head-on by a drunk driver. She was killed instantly, dying in Taylor's lap. The driver was under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana. He was only 17.
Tia was an amazing young girl. She was involved with cheerleading, swimming, youth ministry and dance. She was well liked by her peers, as many reflect on her bubbly, outgoing personality. I never had a close relationship with Tia, as I went to a different elementary school. But, having befriended many of her close personal friends from living in the community and from high school, it doesn't take more than 30-seconds to recognize the gift that was taken to early.
It has been 8 years since Tia passed, but the time elapsed hasn't made reality any easier. The same kids that grew up with her are now pursuing degrees at various universities around the country. Reflecting, I don't think we ever realized the effect her death would have on us or the community. Tia died in the 6th grade, which almost seems like an eternity ago. However, the consequences of that night will linger, as April 5th will serve as a constant reminder of the devastating effects of driving under the influence.
Driving under the influence is never the answer...ever.
Tia's life, unfortunately, isn't the last life that will end because of drunk driving. Years later, the DUI epidemic still hasn't seized. We see constantly on the news of people's lives being taken away from reckless decisions. With alternatives like Uber available, there are plenty of options for you to have fun and arrive home safely. If you ask Tia's mother, I'm sure she would plead for everyone to be smart, and use the appropriate resources to go home.
But, with every tragedy comes triumph. Tia's community has taken numerous steps to raising awareness, educating people on the dangers of their consequences. Tia truly lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Rest With God, Tia.