A Life Changing Story

We are constantly hearing and telling stories on the news about tragedies. This one in particular took up a huge place in my heart.

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.

These Are My Confessions.
A story hasn't touched my heart like this one did. I am grateful, thankful, and honored to been able to talk to Rose Rueda and get Rachelle's story and message out.
Thank You.

Here are some links: DWI PT1 & DWI PT2