20 year old Rachelle Rueda was killed by a drunk driver, her boyfriend, Andrew Lugo Jr. It happened in November 2007, Andrew was driving when he slammed into a Texas Alcohol Beverage Commissions vehicle that was stopped at a red light on Buffalo Gap Road and South Clack.Rachelle and her unborn child were killed instantly.
Since moving to Abilene, I always seem to hear
about drunk drivers. In December right before New Year's Eve, I did two stories on drunk driving, one about the consequences and they other about Zach Robinson and Officer McCoy, both killed by drunks. I was hoping my story would make an impact, my thoughts are in my blog one of my first blogs published. New Year's Eve, a young woman was killed by drunk. Another life taken.I decided I wanted to continue to do stories on DWI's and this month I had the opportunity to ride a long with a police officer to catch DWI offenders and then do the victim side.
I just never imagined that these two stories would have such an impact in my life.
I know I am supposed to be tough and do the story and move on, but this one wasn't one of those. I know Rose Rueda and her family will be making a difference after people see this story air... so far they've made a difference in my life, especially Brooklyn, she doesn't know it but she's made a difference.When Rose and her family put up Rachelle and her baby's cross at the corner of Buffalo Gap and Clack. I cried. I couldn't imagine losing a child, for a reason that could have been 100% avoided.
Rose is one strong woman. She is currently raising Brooklyn. Brooklyn is Rachelle and Andrew's daughter.I hope when people hear this story tonight, they will think twice about getting behind the wheel drunk.
