Sister says 3 died doing what they loved: drinking, driving fast
Heath Urie, Daily Camera
Originally published 08:00 a.m., January 21, 2008
Updated 03:24 p.m., January 21, 2008
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A sister of one of three people killed early Friday in Louisville said it "really isn't a shock to any of us" that her brother died in a high-speed crash.
"The thing that really makes me feel much better about this is they died doing what they loved to do — they were drinking, they were going fast and they were together," Lorie Flaherty said. "It gives me comfort, it does, to know those three things."
Her comments, first published in the Daily Camera over the weekend, set off a firestorm of comments on the newspaper's Web site.
Inside his small room at his parent's Lafayette home, Michael Martin Flaherty decorated the walls with model cars he built, autographed photos of race car drivers and a poster above his bed of the man his father said he idolized, the late NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt.
Fast cars were what Flaherty, 21, was all about, his family said Saturday, which is why they aren't all that surprised that's how he and two of his closest friends -- Lucas Raymond Snyder, 21, and Amber Dawn Kowalski, 23, who each shared that penchant for speed -- died early Friday when the car they were traveling in crashed at more than 100 mph into a light pole at the corner of McCaslin Boulevard and West Cherry Street in Louisville.
Lorie Flaherty said her brother, Michael Martin Flaherty, was born with a rare disease that left him blind in one eye, and unable to drive himself.
But that never stopped him from sitting in the passenger seat of her Mustang as the two took off at the Bandimere Speedway in Morrison.
"He was always going fast, always in cars," Lorie Flaherty said. "We were part of a race team that Michael loved — he was always working on cars."
Her brother also wanted, more than anything, to become a firefighter, Lorie Flaherty said, and was enrolled in first-aid classes to "get his foot in the door" at the Louisville Fire Department.
She said her family has been told by authorities and other friends that Michael, a Centaurus High School graduate, was out Thursday night and early Friday with his closest friend since the sixth grade, Snyder, and a friend of about sixth months, Kowalski, both of Lafayette.
The trio, Lorie Flaherty said, were enjoying beers and each other's company at the Old Chicago in Superior, just off U.S. 36, before they got into Kowalski's Subaru Impreza WRX and headed north on McCaslin.
"That car is for racing, it's for going fast," Lorie Flaherty said.
She said Michael was in the back seat when the car slammed into the pole, splitting the vehicle down the center between its front and rear seats.
Authorities investigating the crash have not said who was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, but David Flaherty, Michael's father, said he doesn't harbor ill will toward whoever it was.
"It was a bad decision," David Flaherty said. "If I heard they were going that fast, and they hadn't crashed, I would have chewed them out."
He said his son was "always in the fast lane," ever since he was old enough to walk.
"He and I would go to the track together," David Flaherty said. "He filled everybody with happiness, and humor and love."
Patricia Fitch said her daughter, Amber Dawn Kowalski, was a vibrant and unique young woman who lit up the people around her.
"It's a horrible thing to have a life snuffed out like this," Fitch said from her home in Broomfield. "She was just a beautiful girl."
Kowalski was known as a "scrapper," her mother said.
"She would always come out on top -- that was Amber," Fitch said.
Meliny Archuleta said Kowalski was one of her best friends, and even helped her get a job at the King Soopers in Louisville, where Kowalski worked as an assistant deli manager.
"She was a really cool person," Archuleta said. "She was always really cheery."
Archuleta, who was among a handful of King Soopers employees fighting back tears Saturday, said Kowalski lived with her nearly 1-year-old son, Dillon, and her father, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
"She took care of her dad, and he would watch Dillon while she was at work," Archuleta said.
Kowalski purchased the Subaru involved in Friday's tragic wreck about a year ago, Archuleta said.
"That car was her baby," she said. "They just weren't thinking right."
Archuleta said she last saw Kowalski, who also attended Centaurus, last Sunday as she left for a weeklong vacation from work.
"She said, 'Ya'll are gonna miss me' -- that's the last thing she said."
Kowalski also had a 5-year-old son, Ashton, who was adopted by a Broomfield family three years ago.
Wes Abila, a 23-year-old Broomfield resident and Ashton's father, said he spent five years in a relationship with Kowalski.
"There's just so much I wish I could have said to her," Abila said. "Most of my memories are tied to her. She's the mother of my child, and she's just a really sweet person. It's just shocking that she's gone."
Abila said he last spoke to Kowalski about six months ago, but the happiest time of his life was when the two lived together for a year.
"Everything I can remember about her, she was happy," he said. "That was probably the best moment of my entire life, was being with her and having our son."
Abila said both he and Kowalski liked to race cars, but he warned her never to drive recklessly.
"I taught her how to drive," he said. "I have a really fast car and she used to come with me to the races. I can't imagine her doing that. I always used to tell her, 'Don't do (dangerous) stuff.'"
He said the toughest part is not knowing whether his son knows his biological mother is dead.
Kowalski's mother said plans are still being discussed about what to do with her other son, Dillon.
She said she doesn't know who was driving the car on Friday when her daughter died, but believes it likely wasn't Kowalski.
"If she had been drinking, she would have had a designated driver," Fitch said. "I wanted better for my daughter than this."
Lucas Raymond Snyder loved his friends, his family, his dogs and fast cars, his mother said Saturday.
"He's a lot like Michael (Flaherty). He liked cars, liked his music," Judy Snyder said. "He felt he couldn't sing, so he wanted to be a drummer, but he never got much of a chance."
Her son also deeply loved his daughter, 13-month-old Yasmine. Lucas' girlfriend also is pregnant with his son, who will be named Lucas Jr.
"I know he was looking forward to when his baby boy was to be born," Judy Snyder said. "They found out earlier in the month they were about to have a boy.
"He was more than thrilled -- he always wanted a boy."
Lucas grew up in the Brighton and Lafayette areas, his mother said, and was a "very bright, talented child."
Even though he struggled with school, Lucas was determined to graduate from Centaurus and fought to earn his diploma, his mother said.
"He didn't want a (General Educational Development certificate), he wanted a diploma," she said.
Lucas received his diploma in 2005.
"He worked hard for it, and he was proud of it," Judy Snider said. "As we all were."
She said her son was "trying to find his niche," but wanted a career driving.
Lucas drove for a lumber company, she said, and talked about getting his commercial driver's license.
"He wanted to get a good job so he could drive and make good money and support his family," Judy Snyder said.
She said Lucas, more than anything, loved his friends.
"If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you were friends for life," she said. "He truly cared about everybody."
She said she knows Lucas and his two friends were at Old Chicago the night of the crash and they dropped off a fourth friend before heading down McCaslin.
"They did something else that took them that way," Judy Snider said. "Nobody knows what they were doing. The only ones who know anything are the three who can never tell us anything."
Funeral arrangements are pending for all three victims, their families said Saturday.
Comments
Posted by Blade3colorado on January 21, 2008 at 8:29 a.m.
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Posted by raoul on January 21, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no harm, no foul, I guess. Hey RMN's, time to move on to another story. This one's got it's 15 minutes.
Posted by FloydHill on January 21, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blade3colorado, you are dopey. They can't revoke Ms. Flaherty's driver's license based on comments. Geez....
It's very good that a very dangerous and reckless driver is off the road for good. It's good that no innocent people were injured or killed.
Darwinism.
Posted by AngelontheSidelines on January 21, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"They died doing what they loved", has got to be the worst rationalization for a senseless death.
Platitudes do not ease the pain of surviving friends and family. Dead is still dead, nothing will make it better.
Posted by Dhakala on January 21, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On the bright side, these idiots didn't take anyone with them. I've never read a more inappropriate eulogy than their sister's. Sheesh!
Posted by jamesdenver on January 21, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ya know for the still living fans of speed - there are actual raceways you can pay for to drive fast on. Sans lightpoles.
james http://www.futuregringo.com
Posted by journy on January 21, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess some people really do need help. It sounds like she was just as warped as they were. It is called contributing. If she knew of the problem she should have gotten help for the guy.
Posted by jgd on January 21, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We have drivers on our streets like these idiots and our State Police are more concerned with ticketing good drivers who are not wearing their seat belts. Like I have stated before get these idiots off the roads and maybe the need for seat belts will drop.
Posted by Theoldguy on January 21, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And I was politely chastised because of my writings on this subject. Folks, throughout history teens have been the singular most self destructive group of humans. Every generation has its war to which many eager males flock (the not too bright ones chose "Infantry"). Just surviving adolescence is something of a miracle for many. The problem is compounded by parents thinking that these kids have "rights" when the reality is that they don't "have rights" until they prove themselves capable of being able to handle the responsibility. The teaching community has done a lot of damage by usurping the role of parents and condoning thoughtless behavior.
Once again I have spent too much time on this subject and will now turn my attention to talking to a wall.
Posted by FloydHill on January 21, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The headline should read: "Sister says 3 died doing what they loved: drinking and driving, and dying fast."
GIT-R-DONE!
Posted by CWW on January 21, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Live fast, die young and have a good looking corpse. Ooops, two outta three ain't bad.
Posted by vudumom on January 21, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The whole sitiuation makes me sick to my stomach. Not only did they do what they loved to do,drinking and driving fast,they left all these children behind. She has already had one child she adopted out and now she has a one year old which she lets a her father who she takes care of with Alzheimer's watch her son?Then there is 2 other childen involved with this Lucas who people are pointing to as the driver because Kowalski is so responsible she wouldn't drink and drive even though it was her own car.
Who's going to take care of these children who were concieved by irresponsible people,that thought nothing of killing themselves and putting others at risk on the roads. This isn't the first time they have gone out drinking and driving real fast,I'm glad for the public's safety it will be their last.Since it's seems to be what they like to do.
I guess the tax payers will be paying for their children left behind because I don't see very much brains between all the families put together.Again the children will suffer.
Posted by ColoNative on January 21, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jdg - It looks like the state patrol did not have to get these people off the road. They got themselves off the road. Drink - drive - die.
What a shame for the surviving children. You can see the job the grandparents did raising theirs.
Stop the madness.
Posted by Gene on January 21, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Consequences of a free society. The temptation is to outlaw, drinking, racing and stupidity after reading something like this. The fact is, most people can handle all these things. That was the reason National Hot Rod Association was formed. To give people a place to race, and not on the streets. A very sad story.
Posted by jamesdenver on January 21, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Exactly Gene. If people want to race fast cars I'm all for it. Life BASE jumping or extreme skiing there could be consequences. But the stupidity of doing on city streets, like so many other teens do - is just asinine.
When teens "weed themselves out" during the teen death months of May/June (springtime parties and sex) it's not tragic - it's the logical outcomes of such behavior. It makes sense you WOULD die driving 100 on an arterial. Or take out a cyclist while texting. To do that risking others isn't tragic - it's stupid and selfish.
Posted by bookwerm on January 21, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am just glad the left life without dragging any innocents with them. Their actions earned their fate.. but for others? No one deserves to have their lives put at risk by others.
Posted by sls on January 21, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For all you people who are so quick to judge other, it must be rough to be the pefect idiots in the world
Posted by FloydHill on January 21, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sls, you sound like you are a perfect idiot, sir.
Posted by ripcord on January 21, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No one has blamed it on Geo Bush yet. What's going on today?
Posted by snowbelly on January 21, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I love to shoot heroin and fire my 9mm auto at passing cars,maybe i'll die doing what I love.
Posted by HolierThanThou on January 21, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Those rare individuals who were born perfect and never take risks or make mistakes do tend to be rather cold-blooded.
Posted by sls on January 21, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey floydhill, i have made my share of mistakes that is why im not so quick to judge others.
Posted by FloydHill on January 21, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sls, I am very quick to judge others. Must faster than you.
Posted by dadinlittleton on January 21, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on. we all grieve differently i don't think she means anything by it just trying to rationalize it in her mind. a tragic loss for sure. reporters should leave family alone after such a loss for at least a week and even then i am not sure they should bother the grieving. she was young she is trying to rationalize.
Posted by sls on January 21, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thats alright floydhill! It will be youre turn to be judged someday soon and hopefully people judge you the way you judge others
Posted by Squatch on January 21, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm just glad they weren't illegals or had Spanish last names I just couldn't handle reading all the stupid comments about that. These kids paid for their mistake I agree with most and thank good they didn't take anybody else out.
Posted by joggle on January 21, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Someone mentioned Darwinism but 2 out of 3 of them had already had kids of their own. As others have pointed out they could have gone to a race track to drive fast legally (although they may not have been able to afford it). It's a shame they let their stupidity, self-indulgence and recklessness take their own lives.
Posted by msnover01 on January 21, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of you people should be ashamed of yourselves, as a family member of one of the deceased, that you all assumed were drunk. My family is grieving. And you people don't have the decency to have some respect for the dead! What is wrong with you. Not all three of them were driving the car & did you ever consider that maybe the guys in the car were victims too. I think those of you that don't have repect calling my cousin an idiot, who I view as a victim (he wasn't driving)are truly the idiots not him. GROW UP & HAVE RESPECT FOR THE DEAD!!!!
Posted by hikingartist on January 21, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are right oldguy.
Prince wrote a really good song about it call "sign o the times"
The chorus goes:
"It's silly, no?
When a rocket blows*
And everybody still wants 2 fly
Some say a man ain't happy, truly
Until a man truly dies
Oh why, oh why, Sign O the Times"
*he is talking about the Challenger shuttle exploding on live TV
Posted by sls on January 21, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
to msnover01 Im sorry for youre loss and i do agree with you that they were victims not idiots.
Posted by RBDenver on January 21, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You have to be kidding? Did a teenager say this or an adult? No wonder so many kids are getting killed in car accidents with attitudes like this? The problem is their selfishness kills innocent people. Total idiots!!!!
Posted by kitty on January 21, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MSNOVER01...I AM TRULY SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS...I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT HERE ARE DISRESPECTFUL AND ACT AS THOUGH THEY HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING THAT OTHERS WOULD FIND STUPID OR OFFENSIVE. I ONLY WISH I HAD BEEN BORN UNDER THAT LUCKY STAR...BUT FOR THE TIME BEING, THE TRUTH IS THAT THIS IS A VERY TRAGIC SITUATION WHICH HAS LEFT MANY PEOPLE AND FAMILIES EFFECTED IN A TERRIBLY SAD WAY, AS WELL AS THOSE THAT ARE ANGRY ABOUT THE SITUATION WITHOUT EVEN HEARING ALL OF THE DETAILS...I HOPE YOUR FAMILY IS STRONG AND WILLING TO STAND BY EACH OTHER TO GET YOU THROUGH YOUR LOSS. GOD BLESS
Posted by msnover01 on January 21, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And you vudumom, where do you get off making assumptions about not only what happened, but to go a step further & insult the families, i really hope that when you greive the loss of some one that what goes around comes around so you will feel all the insult that you have given to my family. Not all of facts are known yet it is still being investigated & some of it will never be known. Yes i do agree it is as shame their kids are without parents, but that doesn't mean they will live off the state, how dare you make those assumptions!! vudumom is think you are an awful human being (& i use the term human being losely, because you're barely that!)
Posted by leech67 on January 21, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree with dadinlittleton.
& i also agree with Squatch, b/c if they were illegal or even hispanic there would be MORE HATE than what there already is. Tragic loss. lets respect the families.
Posted by Little_Red_Wagon on January 21, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is a term that is apropos to this discussion:
Necro-trolls - The individuals that sign up and resurrect threads about somebody dying (usually in a manner that promotes sarcastic reader comments) and claims to know the deceased and scolds us for our "heartlessness".
When can we expect the toxicology reports on the trio?
Where is the rap sheet on the alleged "driver", Lucas?
Posted by msnover01 on January 21, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
little_red_wagon, i don't know where you get off calling me a necro-troll, Lucas really is my cousin, i don't even live in colorado, why else do you think i would read about if i'm not even from the area unless i had some real concern, maybe my friend you are the true necro-troll. why are you posting?? Maybe you are a htypocryt. i don't know where you people keep getting that Lucas was driving, that isn't in the news anywhere, & it wasn't even his car, quit making you assumptions. They didn't make the best choices that night, 3 people are dead, those are the facts. We have all made mistakes nobody is perfect, just some of us live to face another day.
Posted by sls on January 21, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey RBDenver it was an adult who said that. there are plenty of kids being killed by adults who are just as "selfish". But since it was young people in there 20's that is all the information needed to fuel this pathetic fire.
Posted by dl1011 on January 21, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Over 100 mph on a city street? Thank God it wasnt me they killed by driving at that speed. And Lorie, you have to be an idiot,"they died doing what they loved doing,drinking and driving fast."
Posted by Little_Red_Wagon on January 21, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
msnover01:
I did not single out anyone as a troll. As I said, it seemed aprapos to provide the term and definition. It is not mine. Do a Google search and see for yourself.
As to whether Lucas was behind the wheel, the comments in published news stories by quoted relatives certainly tend to such a conclusion, although it is not conclusive as of yet. Relatives sometimes try to coverup or even lie on these types of occassions.
I still am waiting on the toxicology reports and Lucas' rap sheet, as are many other readers.
Posted by joggle on January 21, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
msnover01: I'm sorry for your loss, but if their own parents weren't surprised to hear that they were involved in a high-speed accident it's difficult for me to label any of the 3 as victims regardless of who was driving. Most of us knew people in high school who were reckless drivers. Most of us chose not to ride with them if they were driving.
Whoever was driving had a history of driving fast and, even if sober, would have a heck of a time managing McCaslin at 100mph. They could have easily had killed someone outside their vehicle who would have had little chance to avoid a car coming at them at such a ridiculous speed (on a road with a 35mph speed limit in a suburban area). How the heck did they get to 100mph just 0.5 mile away from the restaurant they ate at anyway?
As someone who drives McCaslin regularly it's difficult to have sympathy for people who were willing to put my life at risk for their own pleasure on a regular basis.
Posted by pkm on January 21, 2008 at 12:52 p.m.
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Posted by Strange on January 21, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Irresponsibility begets irresponsibility...and, something about lying down with dogs.
Posted by Devil_Dog on January 21, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
True this is very sad. It is never good when someone dies especially so young. But they are not victims of anyone or anything other than themselves. And yes we have all done something stupid in our youth, that does not give ANYONE the right to take liberties with someone else's safety. My (or anyone else's) family could've been on that street that morning. Innocent people (who didn't choose to die) could've been killed by those (yes IDIOTS. Had someone else died THEY would've been the VICTIMS.
The true victims here are the surviving children of those people.
save your sorrow for those children who will grow up minus a parent, just because they wanted to ENJOY themselves by drinking and going fast. Yes that is selfish and stupid. Whether you like it or not once you have children it's time to grow up and think of someone else first! So IDIOT does apply in this case. But there is no law saying you can't feel sympathy for a person who made a selfish idiotic choice, I prefer to feel sorry for the children though.
Posted by msnover01 on January 21, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i'm not saying they were all 100% innocent, regardless had different choices been made that night they might still be alive. i just don't feel that all of these comments are nessecary. like i said in the first posting have some respect, there is no need to insult the deceased, families, and especially to drag their kids into this. Nobody can say they have never speed, whether it is intentional or unintentional. I am glad that nobody else was injured or killed because of it. What's done is done & there isn't anything that will bring them back. So until all the facts are in it would be nice if some of you would keep some of you comments to yourself or at least not post them for all the world to see how truly ignorant you are. Like any person, I will naturally always stick up for my family.
Posted by medina88 on January 21, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the family of these young adults. Please don't let the comments of these people discourage you or your faith. God is the only one who's judgment matters. When a baby is born the Lord gives them how ever many days they have to live and their lives came to an end. Now matter how it happened their life is over and they will now look down on their children and take care of them. Remember, the harsh words written above will all be judged by the one who really matters. God bless you all in this very difficult time.
Posted by buffsblg on January 21, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Many of us have made mistakes when young and I can remember some rides in high school that we only got out of alive through luck. That said, most of us grow out of it by our twenties and move on to more responsible driving that does not greatly risk our lives, those of our passengers and every one else on a busy road in a residential area. Once you have a kid and are responsible for them, you lose the "right" to risk your life for cheap thrills.
People here (or at least the majority) do regret the death of these young people. However for a family member to tacitly support this behavior is offensive and frightening. You cannot expect society as a whole not to respond to such comments.
Posted by Devil_Dog on January 21, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand your feelings. It was, however, those three who dragged their children into this by not thinking of them when they decided to Drink and drive FAST. And yes everyone has been guilty of speeding at some time, very few of us have gone 70 miles per hour over the speed limit though. So there is no real comparison there. If you really want to stick up for your family do something for the children left behind. Make sure they know the truth (when they are old enough)the real unvarnished truth. Make sure this doesn't happen to them, then you will have done something great for your family.
No one will remember (or care) what was written here today, but those children will always remember how their family supported them after their parents were gone.
Posted by jamesdenver on January 21, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey medina88
Not all of us share the same Calvinistic view of life. And if someone hurts me or my family my judgement DOES matter.
To say that "Only the Lord's view matters" is arrogant and selfish.
Posted by medina88 on January 21, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jamesdenver..one day you will find out that maybe you should not have lived not believing and to one day find out you should have.
Posted by vudumom on January 21, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all these were not kids. They were in there 20's and already having children. These were supposed to be adults.However the family thinks it's okay to go out drink and drive really fast.Since when in any normal family is this okay?They excuse their behavior by saying,this really isn't a shock to us and they were drinking,going really fast and they were together when they died.
msnovero1,I'm sorry for your loss,but it looks like they family is trying to put your relative in the driver seat.They were out at 2:30 a.m. is this acceptable when they have children?
Lucus sounds like a nice guy but it also sound like he was living with his mother and had a girlfriend with a 2nd child on the way.
We all have made mistakes.However by the time you get into your 20's you should be mature enough to be a parent if you have children,that includes Ms. Kowalski also. What kind of mother is out drinking and driving really fast but her family says she would never drink in drive,( yeah right) and Michael Flaherty was blind in one eye and couldn't drive,so it seems like they are blaming Lucus for the accident. Though they might never be able to tell by looking at the crash site and all of them being ejected. I guess seatbelts are not part of their they like to drink,go really fast and die program.
These people were immature jerks who thought nothing of the children they left behind. They were thinking of themselves and how much fun they were going to have.
Memo to Michael Flaherty's family. I don't think they hire blind Firefighters.
Are all these families in LALA land. Each story is more bizzare than the other.The more they open their mouths the less people feel sorry for them. The people never grew up to become responsible adults and the families helped them be irresponsible.
You may not like what I have to say msnover01,but at the age of 21 I had my own business and bought my 1st house. Was married and not thinking of having children.I guess you could say my mother taught me to grow up.
Posted by jamesdenver on January 21, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@medina: Or perhaps one day you'll find out it's impolite to hijack discussion forums to promote your own theological beliefs.
Posted by theQ on January 21, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BOY....it took a long time to read all those comments, all i can say is look out there's alot of nuts out here.
Posted by Fresh on January 21, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The families have no one to blame but themselves for this. they raised horrible children who we not smart enough to KNOW right from wrong. or to have any responsibility as acting adults.
I hope they do not have any more children to ruin .
Posted by kitty on January 21, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fresh....the families probably raised their kids to know right from wrong, as I raised mine....sometimes in a young person's life, the teachings of the parents go out the window and the person has to "see for themselves" Unfortuntely, these three people will never have the chance to say to their parents "You were right!"
Posted by Fresh on January 21, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After reading the comments of the father of one of those "kids" I seriously doubt he knew right from wrong, and lacked any common sense at all.
personally if you are going 100 MPH down a suburban roadway posted at 35, you are playing with Your life and the life of others. I am just thankful that they did not KILL anyone else. However, I do not feel sorry for them or their families ONE BIT!
Posted by kitty on January 21, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
what if it was your kid, and you knew that you had taught him or her better...would you want sympathy from your friends and family for your loss? I'm guessing you would!
Posted by Fresh on January 21, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guarentee My kid would KNOW better !
go ahead and doubt me, But I raise my kids with discipline and they must PROVE themselves capable before receiving privliges like DRIVING A CAR!!!!!
Posted by broker on January 21, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
test message
Posted by broker on January 21, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Rocky Mtn. News is as stupid as sister Lorie, in coming out with this headline on the web and print.
That sends a "great" message to kids and adults when they see that " they were drinking and speeding". "that's what they liked"
As the parents and friends grieve, and the kids lie dead, do you know any parent who would say, "I'm happy they died having fun".
Broker
Posted by ripcord on January 21, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kitty, did you actually read the entire article? Most of these comments are about the sister saying they died doing what they loved doing. They think the Rocky is using headlines to sell papers. They think the title of the article is wrong. Do you have any comments about that? or do you just want to comment on comments?
Posted by justajob on January 21, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been on scene of fatalities before where, unfortunately, the "innocent" driver or passenger has been killed by a drunk driver. This appears to have been a horrific crash, my sympathies to the officers and first responders who had to work the scene. As a police officer, I have learned to "detach" when investigating these scenes, and when I hear the comments from family members such as Ms. Flaherty, I become more determined to catch as many drunk drivers as possible. To think that people still believe that drinking and driving is ok, "they died doing the 3 things they loved most?" How is this good for the children that were left behind, the family members, even the cousins like "msnover01"? How can these people move on with their lives, while grieving the senseless death of a young loved one? If anything, I hope you all can see that drinking and driving is one of the most selfish acts you can perform. If you don't care about your own life, at least care about the innocents you may kill, and all those you leave behind. And to msnover01, I truly am sorry for your loss. I have lost a dear friend to a drunk driver, her husband, and though it was many years ago, I can still hear her laughter. I wonder about all that she could have contributed to society.
Posted by Have_Respect on January 21, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully to everyone who feels the need to talk mad trash you stop doing it here. If you don't and didn't know them Keep your comments to yourself. Let people grieve. IF you feel the need to talk trash do it at home and don't put it up as BLOG. How would you feel if it was your family or friend. I feel for the family very much. I would be happy to take Dillon (Amber's son) in and raise him. Let the grieving individuals grieve and for god sakes HAVE RESPECT!!!!!
Posted by EastVail on January 21, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It would appear that these folks self-selected in the most Darwinian manner.
Glad they didn't take anyone else with them.
Posted by wow on January 21, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Have Respect?
Respect is earned. I think what you really want is support for the families or silence re: the horribly irresponsible conduct these three engaged in and the way their families seem to express their support of the behavior. Sis thinks it's good they were doing what they loved on a public street. Dad would have chewed them out for it. You gotta be kidding me. You bet people talk "trash". Seems to me that's the subject at the moment.
The only thing these people ever did for any one else was give a few of us an opportunity to use them as an example for our own kids of what not to grow up to be. They are, by their own doing, the Anti-Role Models.
Respect the families of people who contribute time and effort to educate others about the consequenses of irresponsibility. Lets see Sis and Dad start a foundation to help the victims of careles drivers, or volunteer for an existing group. Then they will be worthy of my respect. But I DO NOT for one minute respect any apologist for the young and dumb method of childrearing.
Posted by KC on January 22, 2008 at 5:48 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by vudumom on January 22, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I were the police I would watch these funerals from outside to make sure no one in these families ,especially the sister try to honor these adults by doing what they loved doing ,drinking,driving really fast and having fun.
I can almost picture her and her friends driving down a street going 100 mph and spreading ashes out the window of her really fast car.
As far as someone saying they should start a foundation or something.I think that's a bad idea. They would be soliciting money from the public and alot of these funds go into the pocket of the families. I think the wreckage and a few pictures would be enough to deter maybe a few people but I doubt it. These people should have known better.
Posted by Erie777 on January 22, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is so sad to see how many people out there are so cruel! KC - you are a sad excuse of a human being! These people paid for thier mistake with their lives. Fortunately no one else was hurt or killed, but the comments you made KC are disgusting!
My niece will live the rest of her life without her Father Luke, because of a horrible mistake. You are right - driving at that speed was unacceptable! But being glad that he is dead?? What is wrong with you?
Posted by hakj on January 22, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Honor the dead. Respect the dead. It is a travesty for all involved. For their children, their siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Did I get all the family relations? Including for that young person trying to rational their deaths by saying they died doing what they loved to do.
But to respect the dead? The ones they left behind maybe. But the dead in this case? Do we respect those who have been found guilty of heinous crimes and sentenced to death? We can quantify all we want by saying that these young adults didn’t kill anybody. That two of these young adults were also victims or that all three did not commit the crimes of some notorious criminal. But their deaths were just as senseless and reckless as those committed by some notorious criminal caused by themselves for all three, by familial reports, participated in this lifestyle.
Feel sorry for them? Respect them? No. Feel sorry for and respect their families and those they left behind, yes.
Posted by kitty on January 22, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ripcord...just read your comment to my last statement...yes, I did read the article and all of the ensuing comments....call me what you will, but my take on the comments was NOT the same as yours! I sense an extreme outrage by everyone in this forum ( rightfully so!) but, my comments were based on the insensitive nature of most of the people here...I think if those kids could go back and change what they did, they would...I believe they knew right from wrong, but threw those thoughts selfishly out the window...I just wonder where compassion for the living is? Placing blame on anyone other than those three for making that horrendous decision to drink and drive is not fair....and, blaming the dead doesn't do any good but fuel anger in people like you to ensure that these things keep happening!
Posted by pirahna_monkey on January 22, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG! That article and what the relatives of the people responsible for their deaths, said was one of the most ridiculous articles I have ever read. I hate the way media spins things anyway, but to post such comments or quotes that they died what they loved doing is utterly irresponsible. For the parents and relative to even make those comments for an article, is just downright weird, it made me wonder quite a bit about what they think is right and wrong.
My biggest thought is how glad I was that they did NOT kill anyone else with their irresponsible choices.
And I'm glad they are off the streets.
Posted by Dan2 on January 22, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for your post justajob.
We write about respect, but how do we have respect for anyone if they don't respect themselves? Irresponsibility led to this accident. Poor choices. Drinking until 2:30 in the morning, with families at home (at least two of the three), choosing to drive fast, choosing to get into the car with someone behind the wheel that you KNOW was drinking, choosing not to wear seat belts... These are all choices that not only they paid for (the three dead people), but their families, their children, and their community must now pay for.
I do have a question for the pregnant girlfriend of Lucas Snyder. How do you "honor" that child's father by giving him his name, when he didn't even have the sense to honor himself and instead leaves his child fatherless? That is something that I just don't understand, but after reading the comments from the family and others that were quoted, I, unfortunately, am not surprised. Ignorance begets ignorance.
Now, may they all rest in peace...
Posted by sunnygirl on January 22, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people need to have more rescept for other people. I knew one of them that died and just cuz you had perfect little lifes to get you where you are now everyone else is not so lucky to grow up in a great home. And I bet you none of you talking smack can honestly say that you have never made a stupid mistake in your life. We all make mistakes in life nobody is perfect. None of you people on this chat are perfect stop trying to act like they were the dumbest people in the world, people make mistake. You people talking need to show a little respect for the lifes lost here and the familes. You talk about respect and honer and how they needed to have some more for themselfs but listen to you. You people sound like you don't have respect for anyone or thing listening to the way you talk except for yourselfs. No wonder why the world is so cool because of people like all of you that are just rude. You should all know how reporters have a way of twisting words that are said. Thank you for the few that said something nice. At least we know there are a few good people in the world out there unlike most of you.
Posted by AC on January 22, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Driving drunk at 100+ mph down a 35-mph street at 2:30 in the morning -- with babies you made being reared by others at home in bed -- is not merely a "mistake." It's a lifestyle. And it's not a good one.
Posted by joggle on January 22, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sunnygirl: We all make mistakes, but I agree with AC, this wasn't a simple mistake but a result of their lifestyle. I've never made it to 100mph on any street, not even when the speed limit is 75mph. I've never driven after drinking. I've never allowed myself to be driven around by someone who has been drinking. And I sure as heck didn't grow up in a perfect family (both parents are alcoholics and divorced when I was young), but that didn't make me turn my brain off just to be pals with guys who were willing to live recklessly.
These 3 did the above all at once and probably had done similar things in the past given the lack of surprise by their parents. If you make 'mistakes' over and over again you're going to get nailed by reality sooner or later. Life sucks sometimes but there's healthy ways of dealing with it and unhealthy ways and these guys seemed to choose the latter.
Posted by KC on January 22, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all you friends and family that are upset that people are writing cruel and harsh things about the dead:
You do realize, don't you, that all of this anger in the postings is simply because Lorie Flaherty said "he died doing what he loved best; drinking and driving."
If that's acceptable to you, then I stand by everything I posted.
How about this? Lawrence Trujillo, the drunk who mowed down Becca Bingham and her babies Macie and Garrison outside Coors field last November?
OH, THAT'S JUST LAWRENCE, DOING WHAT HE LOVES.....DRINKING AND DRIVING.
Or how about the ex-cop Patrick Strawmatt who plowed into the back of college students Jake Brock and Jennifer Kois last March, killing them both?
OH, YOU KNOW PATRICK. HE JUST LOVES DRIVING FAST WHEN HE'S DRUNK.
I make you sick? YOU MAKE ME SICK! Again, I am glad this jerk is dead, instead of someone completely innocent.
This is not like somebody who died skydiving, or scuba diving, or surfing, or driving fast on a track. THIS IS SOMEBODY WHO WAS DRIVING 105MPH DRUNK ON A CITY STREET.
I'm glad he didn't kill somebody else. If his sister thinks it's ok, maybe she won't think it's ok when her child is killed by a drunk. I bet then she won't say, oh well, he (the drunk killer) was just doing what he loved.
Again. Harris and Klebold died doing that they loved. Punks.
Posted by longpasttime on January 23, 2008 at 4:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The only good thing is that these fools did not take someone innocent with them- to be driving more than 70 MPH over the speed limit on a residential street while drunk is stupid at best and suicidal at worst! And to say that we who believe that they deserve what happened to them are callous and unforgiving, remember that THEY made the choices that night. Personal responsibility for ones' actions MUST be brought into this!
Posted by Sacred_Lie on January 23, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
KC - Thank you. Simply put, you said it all. I have known people that have died doing stupid things, but I did not try to justify it by saying that they loved what they were doing. I understood that they made poor decisions (to put it mildly).
I am a career soldier currently stationed overseas and the tragic loss of life saddens me, but, to put it bluntly, better them than an innocent person. I am glad that my family was not out on the streets then. I have much more important things to do while on duty than worry about whether or not irresponsible people, be it kids or adults, are putting my friends and family at risk.
Posted by ham on January 23, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about that POS that shot his gun New Years morning? He was celebrating, doing what he loved to do, right?
Get drunk, shoot guns! That's his thing. Just because he killed a women and a little girl.....that's his thing!
It's exactly the same thing. If doing what you love to do will get yourself killed, go for it. If doing what you love to do might kill or harm somebody else, you're a murderer. Make your choices on your own life, loser. Not somebody else's.
I do feel for the families of the 2 passengers. They surely wish they had made better choices.
Posted by Scavenger on January 23, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As someone who lives a block away from the crash site, let me explain to you the exact site. It wasn't a street lamp on the site of the road...it was a traffic light post, in a crosswalk.
So, I'm glad none of my neighbors were out doing what they loved...you know, things like walking their dogs, riding their bikes, strolling with their children across the street, not being run over by drunk @#%@#^%. You know, things like that.
Posted by jamesdenver on January 23, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good post Scavenger. Cars are weapons if used irresonsibly.
Posted by vrrrroooom_crashhhhhh on January 25, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
test
Posted by vrrrroooom_crashhhhhh on January 25, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh, you do realize that this is an on-line, anonymous feedback list. There is no such thing as respect or decency in this realm.
It's just fun reading, so don't try to preach about God, or tell someone to be respectful. You're only going to get a screen-full of hate.
Oh, and to that writer who claimed to be a friend of one of the victims, try spell-check. It's "lives" not "lifes" of course I would know that given that I am "perfect."
Peace
Posted by vrrrroooom_crashhhhhh on January 25, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here, just found this morsel, maybe the family should consider this:
Delgado, whose insurance company paid Iriondo's parents $48,500 in compensation for their son's life, filed a suit in late 2006 to recover $29,400 in damages to his car and car rental costs, the ministry traffic report said.
This guy killed a 17 year old on a bicycle going 100mph in a 55mph in Spain. Man needs to get his car fixed.
Posted by ZONIAN1982 on January 25, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a stupid bitch! That is as assinine as me saying, "my brother died with a needle in his arm. At least he died doing what he loved". Mary
Posted by stupidonsteroids on February 6, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I just love those that say we shouldn't judge these teens--you must have done this yourself or know these teens. UNBELIEVABLE. I judge everyone whose stupidity and carelessness puts me and my children at risk on the road--I have that right to judge. The parents are just as much to blame--"if he hadn't crashed, well then I would have chewed him out" WTF....what is that?? You would have chewed him out--OMG this is what we are dealing with on our roads...not to mention how many pregnant girls and children these kids left behind--The truth is the parents were NO WHERE!!! You should be ashamed and blame yourselves. Its sick--the whole story is SICKENING to me as much as those that were involved--I have no sympathy, only grateful they took no innocent people with them. If it makes you mad--TOUGH!
Posted by stupidonsteroids on February 6, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The families weren't surprised...hmmm, because safty behind the wheel wasn't "normal" topic at the dinner table. Parents who drill it into their childrens brain over and over and over again what not to do - are Shocked are surprised....These parents are irresponsible
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