Tragic M5 accident in TX

[Fedde]

I feel ashamed for even complaining and feeling bad this
summer when I lost my drivers license for three months.
This guy has lost so much more

Horrible storry...

Best regards,

Fedde

[dwasifar]

Here is what I don't understand about all this:

1) The news reports said "alcohol-related."

2) When you do the math on the police statements about accidents and alcohol in the area during the first few days of '03, you come to the same conclusion.

3) Straight road, no obstacles, no other traffic, driver loses it anyway. Does that happen most often to people who are a) sober or b) drunk?

AND YET.... it seems like many people here STILL want to give this guy the benefit of the doubt. WHY? If he were driving a Cavalier or an Eclipse he wouldn't be getting this consideration - we'd all judge him a drunk driver, and that'd be it. Why is he entitled to this bend-over-backwards denial, just for being an M5 driver?

As for the argument that we should feel sorry for him because he has suffered a terrible loss - would you make the same argument if he had simply shot the other people? "Oh, how horrible, he lost his family." It's horrible that those people died, but if he is responsible for their deaths (and the story so far strongly suggests that he is), then I don't see why you'd feel any more sorry for him now than if he had simply murdered them in cold blood.

[M Macht]

How terrible. My condolences and sympathy to ALL involved. If alcohol was involved, what a tragic way to learn to learn the most important lesson of driving responsibly: driving while impaired by ANY quantity of ANY mind altering substance must be avoided. Studies have shown that even a small quantity of alcohol ingested and a blood alcohol level of as low as 0.04% will impair judgement, slow reaction times, etc. I for one will never drink and drive and always use a designated driver. What a tragedy. We see it all too often---just pick up the paper. Sad, sad, sad.

[Steve Morling]

My most sincere condolences to the bereaved families. My heart goes out aslo to our fellow board member and I wish him a speedy and full physical and emotional recovery.

[robsbluem5]

Originally posted by dwasifar
Why is he entitled to this bend-over-backwards denial, just for being an M5 driver?

As for the argument that we should feel sorry for him because he has suffered a terrible loss - would you make the same argument if he had simply shot the other people? "Oh, how horrible, he lost his family." It's horrible that those people died, but if he is responsible for their deaths (and the story so far strongly suggests that he is), then I don't see why you'd feel any more sorry for him now than if he had simply murdered them in cold blood.

I don't agree that compassion is being shown just because the guy was driving an M5. I like to think that there is enough intelligence on this board for people to be able to form opinions without basing them on the car that was being driven. We're just talking about basic human compassion here.

Secondly, there is a HUGE difference between KNOWINGLY killing somebody and what happened here. That's why, in a court of law, cause of loss of life can result in convictions of 1st degree murder down to involuntary manslaughter or no conviction at all. There are such things as mitigating circumstances.

Unless proven otherwise I like to think that the driver of this car, if in fact he was drunk, made a grave error of judgement which he will now regret for the remainder of his life. I also like to think that he didn't do it intentionally. Probably a lot of people on this board can identify with what happened (who hasn't at some time driven under the influence) and that's why we feel for him.

Rob

[thetooth]

What a tragedy... my condolences to the family.

While I don't condone the probable drunk driving, I acknowledge that the driver almost certainly didn't intend to murder his passengers. I can't imagine the pain he is suffering at the moment... I think it would break me if I were in his shoes. The horror of being in the position he is in now is what has always kept me from getting in the car after a couple of pints.

Hence, my heart feels for him and wants to believe that he was not drunk and somehow got run off the road into that tree despite my head screaming that he was probably drunk and gets what he deserved.

He learned the lesson I hope the rest of us never have to learn...

[Jim Dolan]

We should do something, I liked the from "Gustav and friends", add, "around the world."

But where do you send this condolence.

For those of you judging this driver, keep in mind that "but for the grace of God go I". Cold sober you can do a lot of damage with an M5 under the wrong conditions. Be alert and safe, enjoy your car.

[Sbirkholz]

Dwasifar,
I am the person that you speak so highly about. I really appreciate your Ignorance. I wish that people would not rely on media for the truth.
The driver has not been determined due to the fact that the car flipped over after hitting the tree. I do not remember any part of the entire night. So i can not say what happened. I was rescued by a passerby and was actually pulled out of the passenger side rear window. This was found out 2 days later. I was burned pretty bad and have been out of work until now. Of course the burns are nothing in relation to the pain I feel everyday for every one who lost these beautiful people.
In the begining I wish so much that i was not rescued.Now Im trying to be positive and realize that I was saved for a reason and I will find that reason and i will do everything I can to help anyone I can with whatever I can.
I lost my wife Tracy of 10 yrs who was the greatest person to walk this earth. I loved her more than life itself. I would do anything just to hold her again. I lost my Brother Brandon who was also like my best friend I was so proud of him. I really hate the fact that I will never be able to be his best man in his wedding or the uncle of his children, which would have been truly amazing. My Friend Tom was like a brother to me and he was actually staying with us, as he always did when he would have his 2 months vacations twice a year. I would do anything for him and he would do the same for me.
Life can be really f--cked up and right now I really dont know how Im doing I go up and down everyday and the same goes for Tracy's family, Tom's family, and My family. which by the way all support me 100%. If not for all my family and friends telling me that Im here for a reason and supporting me and eachother I would have ended it as soon as I could have pulled the trigger. Family is a wonderful gift that we all have I didnt realize how amazing it can be to have immense love from everyone. I am sorry that Im going on and on. I just want you to realize that things are not always as they are told especially in a a situation that was Im sure was total craziness. Please everyone be careful I would not want my worst enemy to have to go through the pain that we are suffering. I appreciate all the talk of wanting to do something for me or our family. I realize that it is hard to know what is the right thing to do in a situaton like this. I would have the same dilemma. I know that you are all caring people just by the amount of responses to the original post. I almost cant believe it. I think any gesture would have been appropriate and welcomed. (Just for future reference.) I just hope that there will never be a need for this.
Enjoy your life and your family's like there was no tommorrow because tomorrow may never come. Life is fragile. Love them, Hug them, Kiss them as much as you can.


hopefully one day we (family and friends) can feel this eventhough that does not seem possible right now.

Scott

P.S. I really loved this board and was on it everyday. I learned alot and realize what a great group of people you really are. I dont know if I could buy another M5 though. But maybe I will start to read the board once again.

[kees]

Scott,

My heartfelt condolences for your losses.

I can simply not imagine what you are currently going through. In my opinion its exceedingly brave to openly state your feelings as you have just done.

This messageboard is a meetingplace for many wonderful members with a wealth of life experiences. A number of them have gone through similar situations as yourself.

If there is anything any of us can do to help - even just to listen - feel free to post or PM.

Kees

[Aussie2U]

Scott, thank you for writing us, I know it had to be difficult. I really wish all the best for you in the future. Please keep in touch and as Kees said, if you need someone to talk to, we're here for you.

Rick