MADD DEDICATES THIS REPORT TO LOUIS, SHARON, THE ENTIRE HALL FAMILY, AND TO ALL THE VICTIMS OF THE 100 PERCENT PREVENTABLE CRIMES OF DRUNK AND DRUG-IMPAIRED DRIVING.
Louis Mitchell Hall is our first-born child, born December 6, 1981. He taught us about unconditional love, helped us to see just how far a parent's love reaches and taught us all the true value of cherishing life. Our son was very bright in all that he did. He loved the thrill of roller hockey and life in general. Louis was a student and a technology geek who at age 26 was working in a job he loved as a computer network security specialist. On September 5, 2008, Louis sent me a text that he and his co-workers were going out after work. "I LOVE YOU," the message said, along with the comment that he would see me at home later. Little did I know this would be the last text message I would ever receive from him.
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That night two Highway Patrolmen came to my door and asked me if I had a son named Louis Hall. They proceeded to tell me about an accident. I didn't hear a word they said; I just kept asking, "Where is my son?" Eventually one of the troopers told me that he had "expired at the scene". When we received the detailed report of the crash it was shocking to learn that the accident was considered vehicular homicide. Louis was in a car driven by a co-worker and according to their boss, the group of co-workers had consumed no more than a couple of beers. I was told that Louis died instantly, a factor that has brought us little comfort. The police report disclosed the driver's blood alcohol content as .12. This has been and remains a horrible and devastating nightmare that I hope no other parent has to endure. I will never again experience that comforting hug from my first born son; a handsome, polite and respectful young man who positively impacted the lives of many people. This is our family's story now because our beloved Louis made a choice to get into a car with someone who was too drunk to be driving.
As his mother, my story now includes working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as a Program Manager. I am passionate about speaking to parents of teens on the importance of communicating with their kids about the effects of alcohol. MADD wants to empower parents on how to have a positive impact; holding frequent and clear conversations on the topic of alcohol to prevent underage drinking. Losing a child is not something you can "move on" from, but rather learn to build your new life around. From one parent to another, I urge you to take action now; talk with your teen about the dangers and consequences of alcohol. Remind them that it is against the law for ANYONE under 21 to drink; explain to them that their decisions to drink underage or ride with someone impaired puts everyone at risk.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY DRUNK OR DRUG-IMPAIRED DRIVING, MADD IS HERE TO HELP. CALL OUR VICTIM/SURVIVOR 24-HOUR HELP LINE 877-MADD-HELP (877-623-3435)
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving
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