It’s still so hard to believe. Heather Boyum has passed from our lives. Her children (ages 4 and 7), her husband, her family, her students, those of us who ran, biked, and swam with her – it seems impossible that she won’t be that smiling, encouraging bit of light that she exuded wherever she went.
You can read about what happened here.
For any event, a tragic death as well as a crowning achievement, the effect of it ripples across society like waves on a lake. At the center of this tragedy are Heather’s family. The pain and sadness circles out to her co-workers and friends and students whose lives she has affected. Then the effect reaches out to the greater community, touching so many far and wide.
I spent yesterday with my MIM sisters. We talked, we remembered, we prayed, we held hands. We placed pink flowers at the accident site. We ate and we talked about running and we wondered what to do next. We talked about children, Heather’s children, our own children. Many of the MIMs children, those in that next wave of the ripple, asked their mothers not to bike any more.
I understand the fear of children, that their own mother may be lost in such a tragic way. And I understand our own inclination to lay our children’s fears to rest. And our own fears too.
But I don’t think not riding is the take-away lesson from this.
Heather was doing nothing wrong when she was riding. She was a good cyclist, safe, strong. She was riding during a light traffic time on a road with a clean 6-foot shoulder. She was visible and riding safely. She did not cause what happened to her.
Two drunk drivers, playing dangerous flirty high-speed games in a car and a motorcycle, killed her.
The take-away message should not be don’t ride.
The take-away message should be to don’t be an asshole who drinks and drives.
This case so clearly shows that the actions of the victim has nothing to do with the despicable actions of the perpetrators. The solution is not for those who are doing good things to stop doing those things. The solution is for those committing crimes to stop making victims.
When a tragedy happens we want to change our actions in the hope that this will not happen again. Shall we make the promise to no longer go to the movies because a gunman shot up a movie theatre in Aurora? Shall children no longer go to school because bullies are there? Shall we no longer build towers because planes destroy those who work there?
Our lives are diminished not just by the loss of loved ones but by making promises to stop doing those things that define us, that brings us pleasure, or health or knowledge, just because there are assholes in the world.
The take-away message is don’t be an asshole.
Heather said, “I’m amazed how fast time flies . . . it reminds me that every minute of life is a treasure.”
Heather loved to ride, and she was out there on the road on Sunday morning on her beloved new tri-bike with a dear friend showing us what the true take-away message is.
Treasure life.
Live every minute.
Treasure the hell out of every minute despite the assholes.
It will be hard for any of us to get on the bike again. And some of us may never ride again, I don’t know. I do know that I will ride again. I will be scared and my family may be scared but if I can make any take-away in this tragedy, it is this: I reject being an asshole and I choose being a treasure-hunter of life.
Perfectly said Gretchen, thank you.
The problem isn’t bicyclist sharing the road with cars (although on some roads without shoulders it is a challenge.) I don’t know much about the young woman (who was also drunk but apparently didn’t have three prior alcohol related offenses) but that young man on the motorcycle is an addict whose world obviously revolves around his fix. Neither of them had licenses to drive so the failure isn’t the system, it is these two individuals. They were not supposed to be drivinig a car, period, much less driving drunk. What is a life worth? I would say a very, very long time in prison with no parole.
Amen Gretchen. If only the assholes could read it.
It doesn’t matter if they read this. They think they did nothing wrong. They always drink and party. Will this awful untimely death of a good person like Heathers stop them? No, I don’t think so. That’s the kind of people they are. This town is embarrassed by their actions.
As more information comes out about Heather’s murderers I can’t help but wonder what the community can do to help? The two murderers are obviously a threat to society, with no morals or any concept of how to be productive members of society. Maybe petitions or letters to the courts? What can be done? I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Please know that there are many people that would like to be part of making a change in honor of Heather. Everyone is talking about this tragedy and are outraged by the long history of arrests & lack of serious consequences given by the courts etc.
Beautifully written.
it is so sad that another precious life is taken because of these children that think driving is a right and not a big responsibility. what is going to take to make them understand that drinking and driving doesn’t work. so sorry for the families loss will say aprayer for them
Start handing out mandatory 25 year sentences….this wasn’t an accident…..it was reckless murder.
I ride motorcycles and I fully agree. What a terrible loss at the hands of an idiot. My deepest condolences to her friends and family.
KEVIN- TO BAD THE POLICE AND COURT SYSTEM FELT THE SAME WAY. LET IT HAPPEN TO THEIR FAMILY AND SEE HOW FAST THINGS CHANGE.(MAYBE)
My husband is in law enforcement. Believe me when I tell you that plenty of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, etc., want these inconsiderate jerks taken off the road. They arrest them and then when they get to court, everything (well, a lot of things) get pled down. They put an arrest package together and it gets pled down. All that hard work thrown out the door. Frustrating for them as well. Cops have families, too. We get it.
Asshole is a crude, yet somehow perfect epithet for drunk drivers. This whole incident leaves a pit in my stomach – coupled with profound sympathy for her family and friends. Both my husband and I have curtailed our biking in the last few years for a couple of reasons(no shoulders around here in PA on roads, thick traffic, bully drivers) but never a fear of drunk drivers? Is that the new permutation of hazards that one must confront on morning rides? We had just resumed biking on a stretch of Rt. 202 that is not yet open to traffic…not sure what we’ll do when this option goes away.
Regardless, our sympathy and support to Heather’s family, friends, MIM’s and all athletes out there who must train on traveled roads.
You are so right! DWI laws in NY State are also ridiculously lenient. It’s not hard NOT to drink and drive. If you do? You should simply not get your license back. My thoughts are with Heather Boyum’s family and friends. Keep riding!
What a tragic loss. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend.
Unfortunately DWI laws do no good with scofflaws , which both of these pieces of trash are
Heather was an inspiration. Thank you Gretchen.
As an avid cyclist, I am so very moved by your entry. I have so much anger for the perpetrators of this tragedy; I hope that I can find forgiveness for them. Right now, it’s very hard.
Keep riding. Keep riding safely. To not do so flies in the face of what Heather Boyum stood for.
Thank you for this post, and the opportunity to reply.
A Rochester cyclist
Well written…(could do without “asshole”), but point well made. We must not let those who make illegal, terrible judgments keep us from enjoying our lives as they are meant to be lived.
I am sorry for the loss of Heather, and I grieve for her family.
Keep riding, Gretchen. Ride and remember her… In fact, I think I’ll go pump up my tires!
Maybe a bike rally as a fundraiser for kids?
So many lives left scarred… so sad!
ANN- AND WHAT WORD WOULD YOU USE IF IT WERE “YOUR”LOVED ONE OR CLOSE FRIEND WHO WAS KILLED BY THE THOUGHTLESS,STUPID ACT OF A DRUNK BEHIND THE WHEEL
I have to say that I agree with Ann that the word “asshole” is one that disrupts the beauty of the post. It’s jarring. But maybe that is Gretchen’s intent – to be jarring. Heather’s family, friends and colleagues have just been jarred into a horrible new reality – life without someone whom they love and who loves them. Someone who seems to exude life, love, happiness, energy. So maybe being jarred and made uncomfortable by that one word will leave us with more of an impact than the rest of her beautiful prose. That’s okay. I want that impact to stay with us.
And, Linda, as far as what word would I use if it were my loved one? Well, that is a question that I’d have to really think about because I’m not sure asshole is bad enough.
May Heather’s soul rest in peace and may everlasting light shine upon her.
Such a tragic loss. My daughter is also a bike rider. We can’t do what we enjoy because someone does something stupid. Praying for Heather’s family and every life she touched.
beautifully stated, Gretchen. :- (
Well said. So sorry for your loss. Good words: “I reject being an asshole and I choose to be a treasure-hunter of life.”
Well said.
Well said Gretchen. She always raved about her MIM’s. I no longer live in the area but had the privilege to run with Heather a year ago in May. It was great to reconnect with an old friend who I didn’t get to see much after moving away. You are so right about the takeaway message and I just can’t wrap my head around how unfair it all is. Keep riding.
Gretchen – thank you for your moving post. I returned from a beautiful bike ride on a Saturday morning to this news and my heart aches for Heather’s family, friends and students. She was doing what all cyclists love in the safest way possible. For those of us who love to ride and take all possible precautions, Heather’s death is simply the most awful and cruel injustice.
ISN’T IT AMAZING THAT MOST TIMES IT’S THE DRUNK THAT SURVIVES, JUST AS THE DRUNK THAT KILLED THE AMISH PEOPLE. MAYBE IF THE LAWS WERE MORE SEVERE THEN MAYBE THE “ASS HOLES” WOULD LEARN. HOW MANY TIMES DOES SOMEONE HAVE 3 OR 4 DWI’S AND THEY’RE STILL DRIVING ONLY TO KILL ANOTHER PERSON. MAYBE IF THEY LOST THEY’RE ABILITY TO DRIVE PERMANENTLY , JUST MAYBE ANOTHER LIFE COULD HAVE LIVED
My parents live in Webster, and I often ride along 250 on the same shoulder as Heather. I share a similar passion on biking and this tragedy is not lost on me. I will continue to ride, but I will always say a prayer for her and her family when on 250. I will continue not to drink, and to encourage others to do so responsibly. Thank you for sharing.
I am so very sorry for the tragic loss of yournbeautiful friend. You write the truth. It is difficult to read your comments and just walk away without making a commitment to DO something. I will ne safely calling 911 when in my car rather than just verbally complaining about drivers who need to be off the road. Small gesture on my part. But I need to do something.
CONNIE- THAT MAY HELP, BUT JUST LIKE THE NO CELL PHONE THING UNLESS HANDS FREE, THATS A JOKE IT’S NEVER ENFORCED
Gretchen,
I am deeply sorry for the horrific & tragic loss of your friend.
This was 100% preventable. When will our law makers get the message that killing people while drinking and driving IS a crime; IS preventable; IS punishable by more than a slap on the wrist?? How many more innocent people must lose their lives to these sick, pervasive, selfish acts?? I know law enforcement agencies will do their very best to investigate this horrible and deadly scene. Now the judges and juries will have to follow through on their end to hand out the maximum penalty for these assholes and selfish idiots.
My heart aches for her family and friends.
Thank you for this well-written tribute to Heather and all the women and men who ride. Keep on riding, as I will. Be safe.
Beth
I am so sorry for your loss. As a husband and father to triathletes, it is so close to home, even though my home is a thousand miles away. My heart breaks for those poor babies. I am so sorry.
DAVID- REGRETFULLY THIS CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE AND IN A SECOND SOMEONES LIFE IS LOST. TREASUURE EVERY MOMENT AS IF IT WERE YOUR LAST
I think “asshole” is too gentle a word for people who commit life-taking crimes while under the influence. “Selfish”, “narcissistic”, even “evil” comes to mind.
A wonderful, caring person is not with us any longer because of the selfish acts of two stupid and uncaring people. The community- her family, children, students and friends- will be greatly affected by this for a long time to come. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
We cannot let these people- assholes who have no grounding in reality, or consequences of their actions, or who just don’t care, because they are having a good time and to hell with everyone else- we cannot let these people take over. We should not be afraid to ride at 7a.m. on a Saturday morning. We should not be afraid to engage in activities that are healthy, community building and purposeful over those that are destructive and self serving. If only those two young people had been biking, or swimming, or running instead of drinking, none of this would have happened.
the ASSHOLES should be MADE to read this !!!!!!!!
MAYBE WHEN THEY SOBER UP.. THEIR FAMILIES SHOULD BE SOOO PROUD OF THEM
As a bereaved mom and facilitator of Bridges Bereavement Support Grp in Geneva NY, I know too well the waves of grief and mountains of pain that are caused by the careless, stupid, illegal actions of others.
My heart goes out to Heather’s family, friends, co-workers, and the general community affected by this tragic and preventable event.
I know personally how empowered we can become following a loved one’s death…
I will pray that one day you will all know this power.
I can tell by the strength of your words that Heather Boyum has made, and will continue to make, a huge difference in the lives of others.
I am only so sorry that her beautiful life and presence of earth have been cut short…I am truly sorry for your horrific pain…you will all remain in my heart and soul…
I don’t know if you are taking donations for the family, I thought I’d pass this along if someone wants to help
http://www.indiegogo.com/light-lost?c=home&a=950338
I’ve based it on Mary’s blog that I found this morning
IT’D BE INTERESTING TO KNOW WHERE THESE TWO ASS HOLES WERE DRINKING BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. IF SOMEONE OR PLACE SERVED THEM , THEY ALSO SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TOO.
Unfortunately, Linda, that’s like suing McDonalds because I’m fat. They chose to drink and then get in their car and on their motorcycle. They chose to drive recklessly. They chose to murder Heather and then drive off. No one can be held accountable except them.
A better place to place our anger and hurt is in doing something positive. How do we get every student at FHS to storm government offices and demand stiffer penalties for these tragedies? Heather’s Law (like Amber’s Law) could change the future and put a face on the fact that two beautiful little girls will never again have their mother to hug and kiss them goodnight. My daughter will not have Heather to teach her chemistry next year. Let’s find a way to do something positive and worthy of Heather’s memory.
Asshole is not too crude – it is too kind. Selfish punks that only think of themselves. I have run 250 probably 5-6 times a week for the last 7 years. I had gone by that spot around 6:45 as it is less than 1/4 mile from my house. I saw the two ambulances heading for the scene. I am sure I have passed and said hello to Heather on one of those past days. I will now have to pass her memorial site instead of her, due to the act of two selfish jerks. My children have already asked me to stop running. I don’t know what to tell them…..I feel so sad for her husband and children. WHen I head out the door on the days they are up early enough they say “be carefull daddy” – I always think to myself, I will be careful but, hopefully the others on the road will be too. I too frequently see those that text and drive inching over on to the shoulder forcing me to wave my arms or just move off the road. Now the reality of what happened is there for them to see – thanks to two drunk losers. I will say a prayer for her kids and husband every time I pass by that spot. God bless her and her family -
i don’t know any of you but it is sooo sad,,,and now we have just learned the idoit on the mortorcycle had just been released from prison via parole on july 5th for you gussed it DWI. they just don’t get it ,, do they…
I am having a hard time understanding this tragedy. The lack of people taking responsibility for their actions, lack of basic compassion for human life is sickening. Doesn’t make sense for someone that gives so much back to everyone around her, could be taken this way. I completely agree that asshole is too gentle of a word. I also like the idea of a group ride/run to start a fund for the children.
even more amazing the guy on the motorcycle had just been paroled from prison july 5th after serving jail time for feleony dwi. it bad to be on the shoulder esp the texting..
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to Ms Boyum (who I didn’t know personally but I had the pleasure of speaking to her about my son who was a student at FHS). This post reminds me of All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. So maybe we need to add to the admonition “be gentle, be nice” and also say “don’t be an asshole”.
Seems so basic and yet so many just don’t get it.
I did not know Heather Boyum, but as a mother of three, I am heartbroken for Heather, her family & friends. Such a senseless, reckless & totally preventable accident. This is the second time this summer that a bicyclist, who was doing everything correctly, was killed by a fool not taking driving seriously. I am afraid to let my kids ride their bikes on the road. I wonder if riding against traffic would be a better option – At least you can react to something if you could see it. My prayers are with the family.
Ughh….I just commented, then went back to 13wham.com and read the story about the killers. Neither had a drivers license and the motorcyclist has been CONVICTED of DWI 3 TIMES and he is only 22.
What a pathetic excuse for a human being and obviously a perfect match, as the woman was driving drunk too. I am so angry right now.
Great Note. Asshole is a perfect word. This is a sick situation.
I think another important take-away from this horrible incident is to model for our children how responsible friends stop at NOTHING to keep people who are drunk off the roads. Maybe if someone these people had partied with on Saturday night had taken a stand and not allowed them to get behind the wheel of car and motorcycle…this whole horrible tragedy could have been avoided. Teach your children to stop at NOTHING when a drunk person they’re with wants to drive!
Things like this shouldn’t even be called “accidents”. These assholes didn’t give a shit about anyone else’s life out there on the road. It’s murder, plain and simple. I think at this stage we are beyond “educating about the dangers of drinking and driving” and we should start holding people ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. That means doing away with the pansy-ass license suspensions and gadgets to breathe into before you can start your car. You wanna drink and drive? Fine. If you get pulled over be prepared for an attempted murder charge. You kill someone while drunk? It’s a murder charge. Because that’s exactly what it is. There’s a family out there that has to learn how to live without her. Those fuckers should pay, and pay dearly.
I am so totally in agreement with this comment. That is exactly what needs to be done. This has been an issue for so long…leniency and plea bargains… no more…the many loved ones lost to senseless acts such as this received no such plea bargains, no such leniency, no choices, their lives were just tragically taken. There are too many “rights” for those that commit such thoughtless and tragic acts. Enforcement of stricter laws, no leniency or plea bargains,no early parole. If it can”t be an “eye for an eye”, then just as these innocent victims lost their rights, those that commit these crimes should not have such rights when it comes to answering for their actions and “asshole-ism”. As you said Christine, you kill someone while drunk, it’s a murder charge… plain and simple. My thoughts are with Heather’s family, her children, friends and students, who love her and hold her close.
Im glad this motorcycle idiot survived, so he could be convicted like he was in 2006, and 2007 when he was 16-17.
Too many scumbag crotch rocket riders out there, none of them licensed, all of them wanna be stuntmen.
Cops have a no chase policy, so motorcyclists like this ass clown ride around like there are no laws, nevermind his drunk and high white trash piece of crap girlfriend
Plain and simple,Law enforcement must crack down on crotch rockets, confiscate them, until there are none left, esp in greece and webster.
This poor family lost their Wife, Mother, all due to two scumbag trailer park jackasses, one who has a long long rap sheet, put em both away!
My prayers to her family and friends.
I’d love to see enormous posters of her children in liquor stores and bars with the caption “Drunk drivers killed our mommy.”
This is the second car/bike death in the area in less than 6 weeks. Both caused by drivers that were “fixing a sandal” (more like texting)or drinking. As drivers we need to remind ourselves that it is our responsibility to pay attention, obey the laws and share the road. These were two beautiful women that died senselessly and now the families have to hurt, mourn, and try to put their lives in some order without their loved one. I pray for Heather’s family and hope that no other family has to go through the same thing. Two is enough!
this is really breaking my heart and i have no idea who this person is or her family. i
am praying and in pain for all of them.
A wonderful take on a tragic loss. And, apparently “asshole” is too kind of a word… http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2012/07/megan_merkel_up.php
I am so damn tired of these go fast motorcycle death machines, and their nutbag riders.
Usually they kill themselves, which is fine by me, because they take themselves out of the gene pool
BUT, when the take an ANGEL of a person from her kids, husband, family, friends, and students…I am beyond OUTRAGED!
I now find out that neither of these morons had a license? Why am I not surprised. Three DWI for the scerbo douche since 2006? I think this manaic needs to stay in jail forever and his banjo playing girlfriend needs to as well.
If it was my Wife, lets just say they wouldnt be burdening the court or jail system.
This is so very sad.. It breaks my heart that a good person has to pay the price for other folks lack of judgment. I agree with the author of this message that this will touch others in the community. I just wish that it reaches the right people that can make a difference going forward.
These two idiots responsible are just kids, 23 and 22. We all have done irresponable things when we were younger, however I cannot remember doing something that put others at risk.
My prayers are with all impacted by this tragedy.
http://m.topix.com/forum/city/rochester-ny
If you want to hear more about these two idiots, and get the real back story, see the blog about this subject on top of page.
Beyond tragic.
Hold them accountable, this was no “accident”.
Pray for justice.
Keep riding…. and LIVESTRONG!
Every time more information trickles out about this tragedy I get more angry. My heart goes out to Heather’s family and friends.
I’m astounded by contrast between Heather’s innocence and the selfish stupidity of those that took her life.
Wonderful Gretchen. I will ride again … with Heather always in my heart.
As a cyclist that is on the road nearly everyday and parent and husband this truly “rips your heart out”. Somehow we need to find a way to keep Heather’s Flame burning. Do not stop riding and always make sure to wear helmets and your ID. Please God, help her family and all of us get through this tragic loss.
I am so sad for Heather’s family!! Drinking and Driving has always been a subject that makes me very angry. I do not believe there is an excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking!! I love motorcycles, but they are not toys! Nothing can take away the sorrow that has been caused by this selfish behavior. The ripple effect of this tragedy will be felt for a very long time by, the general public, the biking community, students, friends, and her family! As a person that has grown up without a mother (due to cancer)I know I miss my mother everyday and I am not the same person that I would have been if she were alive today. The two people that caused this accident can not begin to understand the pain they have caused. Asshole is not a strong enough word for the loss they have caused!!
So well written and tru. Big hugs, my friend.
Is Moms in Motion planning to do any sort of fundraiser as there are a lot of people who would love to support something.
I have no words but thank you!
Sick, just sick about this!
I saw a motorcycle on the 490 just a short time before the accident. He was riding and doing a ‘wheely’, his motorcycle was on just the front wheel going 60+ mph and his feet were on his seat. It could’ve been someone different but I doubt it! I wish I would’ve called him in. I wish that whenever we witnessed people acting like that we would all call them in. I thought about reporting it, but didn’t quite know who would listen. I knew he would get hurt… but what we don’t realize is the sweetheart minding her own business is the one who he will hit. He had to have been doing crazy things for a while. Let’s start calling these people in!
She was a wonderful teacher. As a triathlete and former FHS student, she was an is an inspiration to me. This makes me sad and angry. She did everything a safe cyclist should and she was taken by someone who had still not learned their lesson about drinking and driving. I hope this story will teach those who think they’re ‘ok’ to drive to think twice before getting in the car.
We as Heather’s friends and family should make it a point to be at every available court appearance for those two, wearing signs that say “I speak for Heather since she is not here to speak for herself” if they don’t get any other message it will be that they caused the death of someone with many friends who will not be silent about this tragedy.
I am moved beyond words by your blog….prayers to Heather’s family, friends,students and community.
What explanation can we provide to those innocent kids when they grow up? As a society we could not protect your mom? Can’t we have technology installed in every car? May be a built-in breath analyzer in the driver’s seat that will prevent the car from starting? How much policing can we do? We need constructive ideas to stop drunken people from getting behind the wheels.
May her soul rest in peace!!!
Thanks for writing this–moving and powerful. I love your conclusion and hope you have safe travels on your bike.
love
Ela
Perfectly written!
I personally did not know Heather but she sounds like a wonderful person who was taken way too soon. I am a mother of a 3 year boy and this just upsets me. My husband rides with my little boy at least 2-3 times a week.
This was NOT an accident, this was murder. Both of those losers, should be charged with murder, not manslaughter. Thanks to these two idiots, a family is broken, a husband widowed, and her children will grow up without their mother.
A couple weeks before this, a kid was driving recklessly on Rt250 in the same spot. An elderly woman stopped in front of him up in Webster and I pulled up behind him .. got out .. and SCREAMED in his face (being 6’4″ 250# added to the screaming) for 5 minutes. Hopefully the kid got a message out of that. Its not much but we have to get the message out to these idiots that we’re not going to sit around and let them put our lives at risk. I am so enraged by this event I can hardly contain myself. The sad fact is that the crminal justice system in Monroe County is lame and will probably plea bargain with the Aholes and slap their wrists. Thats what my MC Sheriff friends tell me.
thanks for yours sharing
Since Sunday, I am having a difficult time wrapping my head around this terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to Heather’s family, her friends, her students and school community. This is a senseless crime. I agree with the above comments: “asshole” is too kind for these MONSTERS. I also agree with another comment that we must not let this go by without fighting for a “Heather’s Law” and that the perpertrators of crimes like this spend LIFE in prison. Mr. Cuomo, Maggie Brooks, Mayor Bloomberg….Bob Duffy? Are you reading this? Her husband, her kids, her students are suffering. Don’t let anyone else suffer like this! Rest in peace, Heather. We will keep you in our thoughts.
I am a Fairport teacher; I didn’t know Heather, but, my colleagues and former students knew and loved her dearly. I am also an avid cyclist…We can be angry and upset at the two young people who caused this. We can be angry and upset about the system, broken it seems, that allowed these two obviously troubled people to drop through the cracks. But, our energies should be focused on loving and supporting those Heather leaves behind…her beautiful family–immediate and extended; her loving and grieving friends, her students….There is a vast hole where a person used to be. Let’s fill it with love and support.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Gretchen. Such a senseless tragedy and the “ripple effect” will be felt for years to come. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
This senseless tragedy could have also been avoided by the driver of the SUV-who had to have seen Heather on the bike ahead of her. Had Merkel’s common sense not been impeded by alcohol, stupidity and wreckless and illegal driving, she should have slowed down and moved over and stopped playing games with ‘asshole’. In my opinion, Merkel should also be charged with manslaughter because she played an active role in Heather’s death and how dare she say it happened so fast there was nothing I could do. Throw the book at both of them!
My sympathy to her family and friends.
You can also donate to the online resource for Heather Boyum Children’s Educational Fund at my Blog (donate button at the bottom) at http://furinex.webnode.com and track the donations at http://www.crowdrise.com/hbfund — Heather will be missed. Her kids and family deserve our help. Donate if you can. If you cant, at least pay your respects.
Today’s (8/2/2012) post is also about Heather: http://gretchenstahlman.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/heather-boyum/
I was struck on my tri bike by a teenager (who was messing around on his phone while driving). Sadly, situations like this are more common than most people think. I have several friends that have been hit by cars while on their bikes. At least the young man that hit me didn’t just drive off. I’m disgusted that these people could just leave this poor woman. Then, to read about the Facebook post by the 23-year-old woman that hit her…I hope she faces time behind bars. Perhaps that would inspire remorse for what she has done to Heather and her family. My heart bleeds for her husband and her children.
Powerful entry!!I I strongely agree, but when is The New York tough laws on drunk drivers actually going to be enforced!!!! The history of these two “assholes ” is compelling! Shame on all the stinking lawyers who plea bargain for the criminals. Whose going to plea bargain for the victims, can they get a lesser sentence to death by all these “assholes” ! No victims never get a second, third, or fourth chance. I have been greatly touched by This story and realize how precious our lives are, and will continue to do the right thing and enjoy life, but I also feel such an enormous anger towards all the “assholes in this world that continue to take great people away! People that make a difference in society! We all have got to take a stand against drinking and driving and repeat offenders.