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Chad Michael Horne 1987-2010 - Killed by a Drunk Driver

#61
tplyons said:
My condolences to you and your family.

However, this one is certainly horrible for me as I lived in Bethlehem for four years, drove that road often, and was the same age as your nephew. I can only imagine the loss that you are feeling, and I can only express my deepest condolences and prayers to you and yours.
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The loss and pain is indescribable.

The intersection on Easton Ave. was the corner of the Keystone Pub. It's a blind intersection, as there are walls and historical buildings right up to the corner. Chad didn't stand a shot.

The coroner told us that nobody in the car felt anything. They were killed instantly.

It's amazing to me how the drunk driver only had minor injuries, which were caused by his airbag and seatbelt. This was a big guy in a huge truck. Based on his size he must have been drinking everything in the bar to get as drunk as he was.
 
#63
We all made it back to work yesterday, which marked 1 week since the burial.

All of us feel like we have been in some bizarre time warp, and condolences are still being offered. I think that they will be coming in for some time. It still doesn't seem real, but we all know too well that it is.

It snowed about a foot here a couple of days ago. My brother got up early, and absentmindedly went to go wake Chad up so they could shovel the driveway so he could get to work at Wegmans on time. That was a rough day for him for sure.

Guys, the only way that we can let others know of the absolute stupidity of drinking and driving is to ourselves become an example of the right thing to do, and to keep raising awareness, like you are in the other thread on the topic.

I have a gig in Atlantic City this weekend at Harrahs. It will be my first since the accident. My band has been great about everything.
 
#64
Remember that the driver will always have that to deal with for the rest of his life.

Don't blame yourself for this accident, if it ever comes to that.

Talking to your family should be your #1 priority, as well as the other families who were affected. Good luck; time will be in your favor.
 
#67
NJL said:
Commreman, I sent you a personal IM..
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I just answered you. Feel free to call me anytime.

I have my first "gig therapy" tonight in Atlantic City at Harrahs. This one's for my buddy!

My son comes home from tour tomorrow, and I can't wait to see him again, even if it is only for a couple of days. On Sunday, the entire family is getting together at my brother's house. We will all laugh and cry again, and that's OK.

On March 5th, there will be a hearing and a reading of the charges against the idiot drunk that wiped everyone out. The evidence is pretty overwhelming against him. The authorities expect a packed house, as this hearing is open to the public.

On March 10th, I begin counseling. This will be a good positive step. We are all still pretty torn up, but we also know that we are not alone.

Believe it or not, shoveling all of the damn snow around here has actually helped!
 
#74
Yesterday marked one month since Chad was killed. I was on stage in Asbury Park at 12:11 AM, which marked the time of his death. I thought that I felt his presence there.

This coming Friday is the formal arraignment. It is a public hearing, and will be very crowded. We are told that it will be a media circus. It will be the first time that we are going to be face to face with his killer. I also have a gig that night. Friday is going to be a very crazy, tough day for sure.

My wife was going through pictures last night, and I wanted to post a few here. I cry my eyes out looking at these, but here goes.

We have a formal Christmas party at my home every year as a gift for family, friends, and business associates. Here are a few shots.

First, me with Chad. It was the first time he wore a tux, and he was happy about it!
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Next, Chad with his proud dad (my twin brother, believe it or not!):
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Chads favorite pic of all time - Me, Chad, and some famous guy:
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Last, me with Chad in his element as a chef! This kid could really cook:
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Even though its' been a month, it is still surreal. None of us are handling this particularly well, but we're coping.

I let you know how Friday goes.
 
#76
XtreO said:
I agree.

I'm sorry for your loss (though I be a month too late). I also felt a strange surge of anger at the drunk driver upon reading your post. At least now you've ensured I'll never, ever, touch a steeringwheel after drinking no matter how much.
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Good for you. Keep it that way! Thanks for your thoughts, and your decision to always do the responsible thing.
 
#77
Breathalyzer pens; no gig bag should be without one, if you drink at shows. My trick is to not have anything after the start of our last set, and only 1 drink/set before that. By the time load-out is done, and we get paid, it's been 2 hours or more since the last drink, and being over 200 lbs and drinking sensibly will mean that I am probably already OK to drive. The breathalyzer pen is mere insurance; it helps me from making a bad decision.
 
#79
Good lord. Just saw this thread.... (I'm usually over in DBs) Commreman, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss... and my thanks for your courage and generosity in making this all public in the interest of reminding people to do the right thing.

Best to you and your family.
 
#80
Such a sad story. What makes it even worse is it's totally preventable. Every drunk driver makes a choice to get in a car and drive. The other sad thing is the way we deal with - or don't - drinking, driving, binge drinking, etc. It's most always laughed off. You routinely hear about someone getting their 20th DUI! What is up with that?

We are in the top 3 of binge drinking on a yearly basis. Nothing happens in this area without alcohol being involved. Most adults are terrible role models. Some host parties for underage kids thinking that if they're drinking at least they are doing it at home and supervised.

There needs to be some real sole searching done if this issue is ever going to change. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening.

How about the breath test before your car will start thing as standard equipment on cars? Maybe mandatory jail time for a first offense? If you expect things to be a deterrent, it better be harsh. A few days and a few hundred dollars in exchange for a life is not harsh or a deterrent.
 

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