Drunk driving and death: An Airman's story

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  "A parent should never have to bury their child," said Airman 1st Class KaraBe Ross, 5th Force Support Squadron chef. "Yet, I stood there and saw my mother heartbroken and in tears."

She said it is an unbearable feeling to watch a brother be buried, knowing the good times they had together would be nothing more than a memory of the past.

Reminiscing on how a loved one passed away is not always the easiest thing to do, especially when it involves a family member whose life was taken from them through an alcohol-related accident.

Ross recently recounted, to her fellow peers, the story of the impact her brother's death had on herself and family because she said she felt it was necessary to tell others how such a tragedy can be prevented.

"I want to become an advocate against drunk driving here," said Ross. "I don't know if people understand how such an experience can be so detrimental to family and friends."

Her brother Klint was only 19 when he was killed in a drunk-driving accident in 2007, Ross said. Her brother and step-sister, as well as a friend had left a party and chose to drive home while still intoxicated.

During their drive home, a patrol vehicle signaled for them to pull over. In an attempt to evade police, her sister, the driver, lost control and plunged off of a cliff.

Unfortunately, her brother, along with the friend, did not make it out alive and her sister was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter.

"My brother's life was taken from him in his prime," said Ross. "He was such a beloved part of our lives."

She explained her brother had a lot going for him. He had been accepted into a local college on a full-ride football scholarship. His dream had been to become a professional football player and her family was confident that his dreams would come true.

Ross said it took a lot of prayer and asking family members for guidance that helped her overcome the grief of losing her brother. She was glad there was such overwhelming support surrounding her.

During her brother's funeral, Ross said more than 800 people came to express their support. It had been such an impactful event in the community that even old time grade-school teachers showed up, including friends and family members she had not seen in a while.

Since the day she lost her brother, Ross has not been the same. As a member of Sisters Against Drunk Driving, she has done what she can to advocate against drunk driving.

"Some of my friends who have heard my story understand the impact such an event can have," said Ross. "In telling my story I've helped change some of my friend's minds about drinking and driving."

She said she recounts her story in hopes of preventing people from not only hurting themselves, but others as well.

"I'm not going to tell people to not drink, but to just be responsible when doing so," said Ross. "Be smarter than what you are, be smarter than the alcohol, and don't let it beat you."

Ross said she wishes Minot AFB could go a whole year without a DUI.

"If I could I would offer people a ride home if they were drunk every waking moment I was here," said Ross. "I would be saving lives and saving others from the devastation I lived through."

As a mother of an eight-month old son named Klint, in recognition of her brother, she hopes nothing like what she went through will ever happen to him.

"Even though they say wounds heal over time, memories of him still linger," said Ross. "Regardless, I always try to remember the pleasant times of when we were together as children and that is how he will live on."

[Airmen are highly encouraged to call Operation SafeRIDE at any time if they ever need assistance from a wingman. Please call (701) 723-7233 for a safe ride home.]