Why We’re Here: Rhett Perryman and Skyler Johnson
By
MADD
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April 4, 2013
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Filed in:
Victim Stories
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| Rhett Perryman |
On May 25, 2002, Elesha Cruey’s husband, Rhett, and seven-year-old son, Skyler made a quick trip to the Ranger’s Ballpark to pick up tickets. Elesha stayed home preparing dinner for the family. The stadium wasn’t far, so she expected them back home within a short period of time.
Elesha’s parents were in town visiting from South Dakota. Her mom was watching the evening news when the story about horrific crash on the freeway came on…she recognized one of the cars that was on fire. After calling Rhett's cell phone several times with no answer and calling all of the hospitals looking for them with no luck, Elesha and her dad decided to drive to the crash scene. They were desperate to see if their family members were alright. When they arrived at the fiery crash site, their worst thoughts came true. They were told by the medical examiner that both Rhett and Skyler had been killed.
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| Skyler Johnson |
That day, a drunk driver traveling the wrong way on the highway hit 11 cars, killing four people—including Rhett and Skylerand badly injuring several others. The drunk driver also died in the crash.
The day after Rhett and Skyler died, Elesha found out she was pregnant. During the first year after the crash, the baby gave her a reason to keep going, and made her feel like she still had a piece of them with her.
Elesha was contacted by a local MADD victim advocate who helped her in many ways, including getting crime victims compensation. At the time she wasn’t working and with the news of the pregnancy and two other daughters to care for, it was a lifesaver.
On the 10 year anniversary of the crash, Elesha, and her three daughters, Bethany, Kaylee and SaVanna, visited the crash site for the first time. They placed their handmade crosses on the road in memory of Rhett and Skyler.
For many years after the crash, Elesha had always wanted to be a part of MADD, but didn’t feel ready. After that day, she felt that it was time to reach out. “It wasn’t about my story anymore. It was about someone else’s, and I wanted to help people like MADD helped me.” She felt a new passion to reach out to others that had lost a loved one as she had.
Elesha recently completed MADD’s Victim Assistance Training Institute and connected with MADD North Texas to start volunteering as a Victim Advocate and Victim Speaker. She also started a support group named "In Our Hearts" for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one in her area. Through her journey, Elesha has learned that no matter how horrific a situation looks at the time, there is always hope and a new day.
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| Elesha remarried in August of 2011. Her husband had two children, so together they have five. His son was seven years old when they married, the same age Skyler was when he died. Elesha says, “I feel like God gave me another little boy to enjoy in this life.” |
In the Middle of the Dark
By
Guest Blogger
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April 3, 2013
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Filed in:
Victim Services
By Carl McDonald, MADD’s National Law Enforcement Initiatives Manager
I shake off the initial jolt of adrenaline coursing through me as the phone call shocks me from a deep sleep. Going through my routine of gathering my pen and note taking material, I count on those familiar moves to settle me. The voice on the phone is a familiar combination of anxious, faint, unsure and hurt.
It’s 2:30 in the morning and she needs help. Her husband was killed.
This isn’t a 911 call. I’m a Volunteer Victim Advocate for the MADD National Victim Services Help Line.
The crash involving a drunk driver was six months ago and the impact continues. In many ways, the impact for this woman is still in motion.
The offender’s blood alcohol percentage was over two and a half times the illegal level, yet bond was set at a puzzling $1,000. The defendant was released right away, and the woman has lingering questions about how this could be possible.
The case has been continued three times. The first prosecutor showed extreme indifference, an election took place, and now a new prosecutor is in place that is easier to work with.
The new prosecutor has placed the defendant’s future directly in this woman’s hands. He’s offered three options to the woman and asked her to decide the defendant’s fate. She’s not sure if she is capable of a decision like this. The offender is a 31 year old woman with a three year old daughter.
As we talk through this turn of events, the irony is not lost on either of us. Those of us whose lives have been shattered by this crime, always strive for a greater voice in the outcome of a prosecution. Now this woman is thrust into the role of playing God in the life of her offender, and she cannot sleep.
We spend about an hour talking through the collision, her notification and what that day was like for her. The state police were kind, she says, but they recommended she not view her husband’s body. The coroner had the same advice. This haunts her, and she wishes she had insisted.
I make notes as we speak, and ask her if she’s worked with one of our local victim advocates, someone close to where she lives. With her permission, I’ll forward this information today and we’ll get her some long-term help.
We’ll walk with her on this most difficult road. She’s already taken the first steps. She called and we answered. Because we know even at 2:30 in the morning, the impact continues.
MADD Victim Services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year
through our Help Line: 877-MADD-HELP or 877-623-3435. |
Alcohol Awareness Month
By
MADD
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April 3, 2013
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Filed in:
Power of Parents
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Underage Drinking
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which is one of the reasons why we chose April 21st as PowerTalk 21 day, the national day for parents and teens to talk about alcohol.
Of all the dangers teens face, underage drinking is among the worst. Compared with non-drinking classmates, teens who drink are more likely to:
- Die in a car crash
- Get pregnant
- Flunk school
- Be sexually assaulted
- Become an alcoholic later in life
- Take their own life through suicide
The longer a teen waits to start drinking, the safer he or she will stay. Both parents and teens can be part of the solution.
Parents play an important role in a teen’s decision to drink. In fact, 74% of teens say their parents are the number one influence on their decision to drink.
MADD knows that informed, caring parents can make a difference, and we’re here to help. Download the latest version of the Power of Parents handbook for tips and tools to help you start the potentially lifesaving conversation about alcohol with your teens. And, we are giving away an iPad to one lucky parent who downloads the handbook during April. You can also find additional tips and expert resources at madd.org/powerofparents.
We also have a Power of You(th) booklet available. This research-based booklet for teens helps you take a stand against underage drinking, for both yourself and your friends.
Together, we can prevent underage drinking and help teens meet their full potential.
