Victims Stories • Carol Levin
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Victim Stories • Turning my Pain into Purpose by Carol Levin
T odd Levin was born on September 5, 1978, to Stu and Carol Levin in Sheppard Air Force Base. The day Todd was born it was a hot summer day and I was excited to welcome him into my arms. As a baby, Todd had an infectious smile, even at that young age he loved people, and his smile would melt hearts. I remember him fondly as my sweet, happy, handsome baby. From a baby to a child, Todd was an inquisitive child – he loved to learn. He was interested in learning anything and everything. He had a huge heart and loved his stuffed animals and would say good night to each one of his stuffed friends by their name he had given them. As his mother,
I was proud to witness him grow from a child to a teenager where he attended Katy High School and was an excellent student. Todd was creative, he loved to write, and was a talented writer. At this age, he found his love for music and was in the band and mastered the art of playing the saxophone. Todd had a passion and love for people and creativity. He pursued his education at the University of Texas at Austin and obtained his degree and worked in Market Research and Marketing for Enterprise Leasing. At the time of Todd’s death, he was in management training and was eager to grow with the company. Todd was also longing to grow his personal relationship with a long-time friend, Raylynn.
Todd and Raylynn’s friendship developed over the years as they both shared a passion for all sports especially running. After spending time together, their friendship soon developed from platonic to a romantic relationship based on mutual love for one another. On September 26, 2006, Todd was taking the next step in his relationship and was excited to ask the love of his life to marry him. Todd and Raylynn met at a restaurant close to Sheppard and Westheimer in Houston, Texas – Raylynn’s brother was in attendance. Todd, on this day, asked for Raylynn’s brothers’ permission to marry his sister. They had a joyous event after Raylynn’s brother gave his blessing; they all shared a meal at the restaurant, and more than anything celebrated as Todd and Raylynn’s future was beginning. As they drove home from the restaurant with their hearts full of excitement for their future as husband and wife, they were thrilled to start planning for a long and happy life. Todd was driving them home, as Raylynn sat next
to him in the front passenger seat. Todd carefully proceeded into the intersection as he had a green light; another driver, ran the red light at a high rate of speed, t-boning Todd and Raylynn’s vehicle. The other driver was driving drunk as he ran a red light at 85-miles per hour in a 35-mile speed limit zone. Todd suffered serious injuries including head-trauma to his skull and brain. Todd’s chest was crushed, and his heart was ruptured. Todd died at the scene. Raylynn suffered serious injuries and was transferred to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston but died from her injuries in route. The injuries that both Todd and Raylynn suffered were severe; making it impossible for them to survive. Todd was only 28-years old, and Raylynn was just 30-years old; their lives were stolen by a substance impaired driver much too soon.
“Todd was a son. Todd was a brother. Todd was a wonderful human being. Todd was loved by many. ... He is missed.”
“Todd was only 28-years old, and Raylynn was just 30-years old ”
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Annual Report • 2021
Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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