Some White County 9th graders got a very sobering lesson on the hazards of drinking and driving. They heard from Chris Sandy, 29. In 2001 Sandy was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by DUI. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He hopes his message will deter others from following in his footsteps.
As Chris Sandy, 29, is escorted into the gym at White County 9th Grade Academy, he can't help but think about how his life turned out. On April 11, 2000 he made a decission that would ultimately change his life and that of some complete strangers. As a White County Sheriff Deputy unlocks his handcuffs he tells the crowd "I heard someone in the back ground yell we've got a fatality on the scene."
Chris re-hashes the fatal night, detail by detail to teh group. It started when he and his best friend, both of age, started drinking at a party. Around 7:45 that night, Chris got behind the wheel with his friend to head to the next party. But they wouldn't far.
"I came up on a white van and I didn't think to slow down. I just wanted to pass it to get to the party for more fun."
But with speeds topping 77 miles he didn't notice the gold car trying to make a left hand turn into a family members home. he slammed into the car so hard it nearly cut it in half.
"The passenger was Mrs.. Nelly King, she died on impact. The driver, Mr.. William King was life flighted with me to the hospital where he later died," says Sandy.
Chris spent five days in the hospital before he learned exactly what happened. A few months later he was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and ordered to serve 30 years in prison.
His story is meant to do more than just warn the students of the hazards of drinking and driving or how hard jail is. But he wants them to see how the family's are affected.
"This choice is very hard to live with," says Sandy. "I don't know how many times I've wished I was the one who died."
He was spared, and is working on his 6th year in a maximum security prison. His life will never be the same. He just hopes the students learn from his mistakes and never follow in his footsteps.
To have Chris come speak to your school contact the Georgia Sheriff's Association or Safe Campuses Now.
