In 2015, Patrick Haden was struck and killed by a drunk driver. On Friday, his family memorialized the place he was hit.
That driver, Carlos Nevarez, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after evidence found that his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit to drive in Texas.
Family and friends of Patrick said they got some comfort, as a sign went up at the site of the accident in his honor.
Patrick’s brother, Guy Haden, said Patrick always helped people, and now, he still will.
“It’s been a long time,” Guy said. “But it feels like yesterday and it hurts still the same today.”
Guy said he hopes the sign not only is a reminder of Patrick’s life, but will make drivers think twice before drinking and driving.
“If he can keep one person that sees this sign from drinking and driving and doing what happened to our family, then we’ve succeeded,” Guy said.
The Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney, Sunshine Stanek, said she sees stories like Patrick’s all too often.
“Unfortunately we see it every day,” Stanek said. “DWIs and then turning to sometimes the fatalities.”
In her job, Stanek said she becomes close with the victim’s family, and finds it important to know them beyond a business relationship.
“Although these events are sentimental and sad sometimes,” Stanek said. “It’s also joyful to get to see the families again, and talk with them and just keep an ongoing relationship.”
Stanek said she wants people who drive by to see that someone was killed in this area, and realize the serious consequences of drinking and driving.
“We hope that the sign is just a really powerful reminder to all these northbound drivers of the extreme dangers of drinking and driving,” Stanek said.
