SOBERING ANNIVERSARY
Friday, May 7th, 2010 -- 11:55 AM
Today marks the 10th anniversary of a deadly car crash that took the lives of four Neillsville students and a Marshfield man.It was an accident that serves as a sobering reminder about the risks of drunk driving.
15-year-old Louella Blackdeer, 16-year-old Cole Glebke and 15-year-old Daniel Riddle were riding in a car driven by 17-year-old Dylan Glebke, after a fun night at prom.
A pick-up, driven by 34-year-old David Breu of Marshfield, crossed the centerline on STH 95, south of Neillsville, slamming into Glebke?s vehicle. The collision triggered a fiery crash. There were no survivors. Toxicology reports showed Breu?s blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, which was .10 at the time.
Lani Blackdeer, Louella?s mother, says she still visits the memorial at the accident site about once a month. She?ll be there again today, placing roses at the spot she lost her daughter.
"That's one place I can go that I actually don't cry," she says. "I just feel the love of the community there. There's always something new. To me, it's just a peaceful place."
After that tragic night, Lani vowed to "not let them die for nothing.? She?s dedicated herself to spreading the simple message that drinking and driving don?t mix. A recovering alcoholic herself?she?s been sober since 1988?Lani knows firsthand how vicious a drug alcohol can be.
"I go around speaking at schools, prisons and victim impact panels," Blackdeer notes. "I've made those bad choices in the past. I'm not out there to get everyone to quit drinking, but to make wise choices and not to drive when you're drinking."
In school, Louella often felt insecure and unwanted by her peers, but she found peace in running. Along with other members of the Ho-Chunk Nation, she completed the 1999 Honolulu Marathon. It was a turning point in her life.
In her honor, Lani started the Louella Blackdeer Fun Run, which will be on May 29th this year. For more information, you can visit [url=http://www.louellblackdeerfun.com]www.louellblackdeerfun.com[/url], or call Lani at 429-0629.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.