What follows is part of a press release issued by the Greeley (Colo.) Police Department on Tuesday:
A family reeling in the grief of tragic loss hopes that sharing their son’s story will prevent future accidents caused by texting and driving.
The Heit family and Greeley Police Department wish to share the findings of a car accident investigation on April 3, 2013 in hopes that other families may avoid the tragedy and loss of a beloved family member. At 5:16 p.m., Greeley Police Officers and rescue personnel were dispatched to a single vehicle, rollover traffic accident on the outskirts of Greeley. The driver, Alexander Heit, 22, of Boulder was transported by ambulance to North Colorado Medical Center where he died a short time later.
Heit was in Greeley studying Audiology at the University of Northern Colorado. He was a good student and well liked in his classes. Colorado-raised with an affinity for being in the mountains, he loved being with his family, snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer. Friends and family remember Heit’s quick sense of humor, and his calm, kind presence.
“I can’t bear the thought of anyone else having to go through something like this,” said Sharon Heit, Alexander Heit’s mom. “Please, vow to never, NEVER text and drive. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you. And in honor of Alex’s memory, please do something kind for a stranger who needs help, as Alex always wished for a world were people were kinder to each other.”
Tragic instance of distracted driving. Hope it helps save lives.