MADD - Why We're Here: ShiAnn Robinson

On April 29, 2000, Amie Jo picked up her two and a half year old daughter, ShiAnn, from the babysitters, and planned on running the typical daily errands before her weekly play date with a friend. But that day would turn out to be anything but typical.

While driving to their friend’s house, ShiAnn and Amie Jo were singing, laughing and enjoying the spring day, until Amie Joe saw a truck heading straight for them. Despite a desperate attempt to get out of the way, her car was hit by the truck, forcing it to roll several times. Amie Jo reached back to try to brace ShiAnn from the impact, but was unable to reach her.

When the car came to a stop, she could hear was her daughter screaming, and saw ShiAnn covered in blood from the multiple cuts on her face; the car seat was in pieces.

ShiAnn was careflighted to Children’s Hospital of Dallas where she was immediately taken into surgery, and placed on life support. After three and a half weeks, Amy Jo had to make a decision that no parent should ever have to make—to take her sweet baby off the machines that were keeping her alive–and on May 24th, ShiAnn died on from her injuries.

To make matters worse, the drunk driver, a repeat offender on probation for a previous DUI, fled the scene. He was later found, but released on bail and ran for two years before being captured. At the time of the crash, the driver had an ignition interlock installed in his truck. Unbelievably, his wife blew into it for him, allowing him to drive drunk and kill an innocent child.

Despite the amount of grief and turmoil Amie Jo has been through, she continues to honor her daughter. She is now an active member and volunteer with MADD East Texas, telling her story at MADD Victim Impact Panels® and participating in Walk Like MADD®. Amie Jo says, “This is hard to cope with, but my love for my daughter keeps me strong and with the help from the people at MADD, I can share ShiAnn’s story and let it be known that this has to stop.”

Comments

Submitted by Julie Ann at 12:40 PM on June 30, 2012

My prayer go out to all who have lost a loved one. I have not lost a loved one to drunk driving, but know of people who have. It just breaks my heart. I am so against drinking and driving, even if you have had only 1. I read Trina's comments and I totally agree with her..these laws need to be stricter! God Bless all of you and may you stay safe on the roads. And keep those cell phones out of your hands too while driving!

Submitted by COYOTEMOON at 03:35 PM on June 28, 2012

ON DECEMBER 19, 2007 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:20 PM, WHILE ON A TOUR OF DUTY WITH ELLIJAY POLICE, ELLIJAY GEORGIA. I WAS HIT HEAD ON BY AN IMPAIRED DRIVER. I HAD JUST LEFT THE GILMER COUNTY DETENTION CENTER IN REFERENCE TO PICKING UP A TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER FOR ANOTHER OFFICER, WORKING AN ACTIVE CASE. I WAS TRAVELING WEST BOUND ON HIGHWAY 52, APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES FROM THE GILMER COUNTY DETENTION CENTER. I HAD JUST EXITED A BRIDGE ON A CURVE, NEAR OWLTOWN ROAD, WHEN I OBSERVED TWO HEADLIGHTS IN MY LANE. ALL I REMEMBER IS TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL LEFT. I DO NOT KNOW HOW LONG I WAS UNCONSCIOUS. THERE IS A TIME FRAME I HAVE NO RECOLLECTION OF EVENTS.I DO NOT REMEMBER LEAVING THE GILMER COUNTY DETENTION CENTER, BUT I DO REMEMBER THE TWO HEADLIGHTS, AND JUST A SENSATION OF A COLLISION, NO PAIN, IT IS LIKE I WAS TEMPORARILY ABSENT FROM MYSELF. MAYBE IT IS THE BODY’S WAY OF PROTECTING SANITY, AND FEAR. IT IS APPARENT AFTER A REVIEW OF 911 TAPES, I REALIZE THE IMMINENT DANGER I WAS STILL IN, LOW VISIBILITY, FOG, DARKNESS, AND THE POSITION, AND FINAL RESTING PLACE OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE. BY SOME MIRACLE I WAS PROTECTED FROM A SECOND COLLISION. FROM THE CALLS PLACED TO 911 I HAVE LISTENED TO, I CAN HEAR THE PANIC, FEAR, AND WHAT I CALL FREEZE FRAME SHOCK IN THE CALLER’S VOICE. IF PICTURES DO SPEAK A THOUSAND WORDS, IT WAS A THOUSAND WORDS TOO MANY. AS I REGAINED CONSCIOUSNESS, I REMEMBER SOMEONE YELLING MY NAME,” BAGLEY! BAGLEY! BAGLEY“! FOR A MOMENT IN TIME I WAS TRAPPED IN A NIGHTMARE, WITH NO ESCAPE. I COULD NOT GET MY BODY TO MOVE. IT WAS LIKE I WAS PARALYZED. I HEARD NOISE’S OUTSIDE MY PATROL CAR, AND AGAIN I HEARD SOMEONE YELLING,” BAGLEY! BAGLEY! BAGLEY“! TIME SEEMED TO STAND STILL FOR ME. THE NEXT THING I REMEMBER WAS SEEING FLASHING RED AND BLUE LIGHTS. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AROUND ME. PARAMEDICS, EMT’S, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND FIREMEN, THEY WERE TRYING TO FREE ME FROM ENTRAPMENT IN MY PATROL CAR. OVER THE LOUD NOISES AROUND ME, I HEARD SOMEONE MENTION THE STATUS OF THE OTHER DRIVER, THAT THEY WERE 10-109D. OF ALL THE NOISES THAT SURROUNDED ME THAT NIGHT, THOSE WORDS 10-109D WERE THE LOUDEST WORDS I HAVE EVER HEARD. I KNEW THAT MEANT SOMEONE WAS DEAD. I REMEMBER ASKING THE PARAMEDIC IF THE DRIVER WAS DEAD. HE HESITATED, AND SAID YES. THE MOST TERRIFYING FEAR CAME OVER ME. ALL I COULD DO WAS CRY. I WAS SCARED, BECAUSE I COULD NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. HORRIFYING THOUGHTS STARTED TO PLAGUE MY MIND. IS THIS MY FAULT, COULD I HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO PREVENT THIS. EVERY FEAR MY MIND COULD CONCEIVE WAS HAPPENING TO ME. EVEN WITH CRITICAL INJURIES, I DIDN’T FEEL MUCH PAIN. MY PAIN WAS THE HAUNTING THOUGHTS THAT SOMEONE HAD LOST THEIR LIFE. THREE DAYS AFTER MY ACCIDENT, AND STILL STRUGGLING WITH WHAT HAPPENED, MY CHIEF, AND SERGEANT CAME TO VISIT. I TREMBLED IN FEAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY WERE THERE TO ARREST ME, BECAUSE I JUST COULD NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. I WAS STILL PONDERING IF THIS WAS MY FAULT. I RECALL ASKING IF I AM UNDER ARREST. THE CHIEF HANDED ME A COPY OF THE ACCIDENT REPORT. THE GEORGIA STATE PATROL COMPLETED THEIR INVESTIGATION. THE CHIEF SAID HE WANTED TO BRING THE ACCIDENT REPORT TO ME TO GIVE ME PEACE OF MIND. IT CONCLUDED, AND READ, THAT I WASN’T AT FAULT. UP UNTIL THE REPORT, EVERYONE ASSURED ME IT WASN’T MY FAULT. I GUESS I JUST NEEDED TO READ IT FOR MYSELF. FINALLY I COULD START THE HEALING PROCESS. AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL, I LOOKED OVER THE NEWS PAPER THAT HAD BEEN SAVED. AND READ THE OBITUARY. THERE I SAW THE DRIVER’S NAME, AND A PICTURE. ONCE AGAIN I BROKE DOWN, STARTED TO SHAKE, AND CRY. MY WIFE STOOD BESIDE ME SILENT WHILE I WENT THROUGH A MOMENTARY BREAKDOWN. DURING THE PROCESS OF MY HEALING, I CONTACTED THE MOTHER SEVERAL TIMES; IT WAS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO DO. I HAVE ALSO VISITED THE GRAVE SITE MANY TIMES SINCE THEN, IN RESPECT OF THE LIFE LOST. THE BADGE I WAS WEARING THAT NIGHT ON PATROL,” UNTIL THIS LETTER, NO ONE HAS KNOWN THIS, EXCEPT MY WIFE.” I PLACED IT IN A SMALL HOLE AT THE GRAVE SIGHT. IT IS MY WAY OF SAYING GOODBYE, AND I “FORGIVE“. NOW, I SURVIVE ON. I MIGHT WORK FOR ANOTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. BUT MY MISSION CONTINUES, SAVE A LIFE, THE LIFE YOU SAVE MIGHT BE YOUR VERY OWN. I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO TELL A FAMILY THEIR LOVED ONE HAS DIED BECAUSE OF AN IMPAIRED DRIVER, OR FROM BEING IMPAIRED. THERE ARE TOO MANY VICTIMS, WHO LAY IN ETERNAL REST, IN GARDENS OF STONE. SOMETIMES AT NIGHT I REVISIT THAT MOMENT IN A NIGHTMARE, AND WONDER WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE THAT DECEMBER NIGHT, THAT A LIFE WAS LOST, AND I SURVIVED, THIS IS MY TESTIMONY, THIS IS MY JOURNEY. DAVID D. BAGLEY “SO OTHERS MAY LIVE” 　 MY STORY, AND PHOTOS ARE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE. DAVID BAGLEY

Submitted by Aus at 07:28 AM on March 10, 2012

My only son was killed by a drunk driver in Orlando FL, on the 30th October 2006, returning home from work at 2am. It was devastating news for us and our lives have never been the same. I still cry for my Angel in heaven, while the drunk lives on.

Submitted by Trina at 02:56 PM on March 9, 2012

Someone needs to do something about this screwed up justice system that america has. they disregard life as if it were nothing when everyone of these victim's meant something or means something to someone. People just have to be held accountable for this this unexcusable, bone headed action. first dwi should be three years in jail and driving privelages taken for 3 years after exiting prison plus responsilbe driving classes as well as an loud colored identifying mark on all four sides of vehicle so other drivers know that this person has been to prison for driving drunk. If you kill someone 1st offense ur privelages should be taken for life and 10 yrs in prison. Im sure they would think twice before drinking and driving if this were the case. God bless all the broken hearted and just know that all of you loved ones are at peace in heaven.

Submitted by Virginia at 10:26 AM on March 9, 2012

So sorry for your loss, 29 years ago I too had to make that choice and have life support disconnected from my 18 year old son, who was brain dead at impact. The man that killed my son was a 3 time repeat offender and was sentenced to one year in the county jail, but was released after 110 days due to good behavior. "Criminal Justice System" Right who is getting JUSTICE???? Not the victims or their famlies!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous at 01:41 PM on March 8, 2012

MY SON(MY ONLY CHILD)AND TWO OF HIS BUDDIES ON THEIR MOTORCYLCLES 19JUNE2005, FATHHERS DAY RIDE. A DRUNK DRIVER STRUCK AND DRUG MY SON, HE DIED 20JUN2005 BEFORE I COULD GET TO THE HOSPITAL. I HELD HIS HAND AS HE WAS GETTING COLDER. SEVENTEEN DAYS LATER HIS WIFE HAD TWIN SONS. THE DRUNK DRIVER WAS RELEASED THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT, EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS NOT HIS FIRST DUI AND HIS ACHOL LEVEL WAS .224. I JOINED MADD SEPT,2005. ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF MY SON DYING,THE GUY THAT KILLED MY SON WAS SENTENCED TO 11 MONTHS IN COUNTY JAIL WITH WORK RELEASE PRIVILEDGES "SO HE COULD CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE OF HIS FAMILY". JUDGE DIDN'T WANT ME TO READ MY IMPACT STATEMENT, "BECAUSE HE HAD SOMETHING TO DO". I REPLIED IT WAS SHORT, AND READ MY TWO PAGES. WHY DID THIS PERSON GET OFF SO LIGHTLY? I NOW VOLUNTEER MY TIME TO MADD BECAUSE THEY WERE THE REASON FOR HIM BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THE PAIN DOESN'T GO AWAY. GOD BLESS ALL THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN A VICTM OF LOSING SOMEONE TO A DRUNK DRIVER.

Submitted by Granny at 10:00 AM on March 8, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our daughter in law and grandson last year. Their car was hit by a drunk driver who fled the scene without even looking to see if they could be helped. Our lives will never be the same.

Submitted by Snuggy at 12:20 AM on March 8, 2012

Typical bull letting a guy out on a DUI charge when he was already on probation... Ree dick ulous!!! What a tragedy!

Submitted by James Dean Walden at 11:03 PM on March 7, 2012

Well as of this year on Sept 24th 2012 It was 30 years ago I had to wake my entire family up and tell them that my little Brother was Involved in an accident. Well after being In a coma for a week his brain swelled up and he lost Brain waves on 1 side of his head. He passed away. I never got a chance to tell this story and had to much hurt to do or say anything. I can't go into detail concerning the accident It hurts to much and I need take little steps. I can be reached at chevychevelle383@gmail.com and thank you for madd. I plan on doing more for madd I just don't have all my thoughts together just yet. all I can say Is I hurt every day for 30 years. Thank You ALL At MADD.

Submitted by MMC at 09:52 PM on March 7, 2012

I was hit by a drunk driver at the age of 11. It's a complicated story of survival. On a Sunday afternoon, while on vacation, my sisters and i were with my grandparents heading to a family luncheon in Puerto Rico. My grandfather decided to stop the car along the highway. We don't know if he was checking for something; but my sister and i decided to get out of the car and drink something (since my grandfather had drinks in a cooler in the trunk). The unexpected occurred, we heard the screeching of tires and my life changed forever as my sister and I were hit. I don't know many details, a car flipped and I landed under the car and had my back and part of foot burned with (what witnesses say) was water from the radiator. Pretty devastating as now i am almost 45 and still can't enjoy Sandals the way i want or bare back outfits, bathing suits; but it doesn't stop me from living and enjoying life and counting my blessings every day. I never drink if I am driving and when I have attended parties people say "Oh come on have a drink." and I'm very serious and say "No, I'm driving." People make fun sometimes; but I stick to my rule......I don't drink and drive. My heart goes out to the families of those who have passed away as well as those that have survived and have scars and disabilities for the rest of their lives. It's very sad. People have to know and be responsible. If you're attending a party don't drink or have someone drive you home. Call a friend or relative. It may be embarrasing at the moment; but it can save a life.

Submitted by lady at 08:28 PM on March 7, 2012

My cousins little 5 yr old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. I am so sad every time I hear about how people continue to drive intoxicated!!! What's wrong with them?? We have taxi's!! I think a person should NOT go to bars to drink... how about they STAY HOME drink at their own house and not go out driving and killing innocent people!! I am very sorry for all of those who have lost loved ones.

Submitted by Anonymous at 08:19 PM on March 7, 2012

the wife should have been charged too!

Submitted by Cheri at 08:10 PM on March 7, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. My son is out of the hospital now, suffered a severe brain injury a result of an accident where his "friend" lost control and hit a tree. His friend was drunk (and my son had been drinking but has no memory of the evening starting a couple of hours before the accident). He was in the passenger seat and was the only one wearing a selt belt. Miraculously he is recouperating well. His friend isn't going to fare as well. This is his second DUI in 6 months and now he has 7 counts against him and the charges are now being elevated to a "felony accident causing a serious a injury". My son has permanent hearing loss in his right ear from his head injury. He friend is bonded out now. The laws have to change. He should not be out, freely able to drink and drive again. Florida doesn't require the breathe analyzer. I have written to our Florida congresswomen for support for the bill. God bless you and grant you peace and strength!!

Submitted by Angel eyes at 07:40 PM on March 7, 2012

I am from TX , and I can relate to Sammy's story. There is always some parent who feels guilty that he or she should not allow their child to stay in jail but aide them and protect them from what could be a 2-5 year sentence for recurring Dui's...there has to be something wrong with these parents and the system...They teach their children to continue to be irresponsible and not to suffer any consequences...shame on them.!!! My prayers for the victims and their families...God Bless!!!

Submitted by workman family at 07:26 PM on March 7, 2012

I had a baby boy on nov 20th 2003. We got to come home from the hospital at 1pm. At 2:45 my husband left to go deer hunting at 5:45pm my mother and aunt came up on a drunk driving accident it was my husbands dead body pinned in his truck for an hr and ahalf. Not only did my family get ripped apart by it but the driver got told not to do it again. And only served 15 months in jail. He has been in trouble 8 timea sence he was released from jail.

Submitted by Birdie at 07:03 PM on March 7, 2012

I live in MN and on Thursday 10:15PM, September 30th, 1999 a Drunk Driver slammed into my husband and I's Moving Truck. My husband slipped and was pinned between the car's rolled up hood and atop it's boiling hot steamy engine. His legs were dangling with lower leg calf muscle damage to both legs with lacerations and multiple broken bones. He was grasping our Groceries box. I struggled to keep him conscious while we awaited the ambulance. His cell phone flew out of his hand landing in the street somewhere it was stolen and unknown calls were placed. At the hospital part of his (L)leg lower calf muscles were removed to prevent infection from deep tissue burns. Today, 2012, he lives as a testament to Amazing Strength, but not without the Emotional Scarring it caused him and our family. This was conducted by a first time DWI Offender. Imagine yes, how Repeat Offenders are not ordered to indefinitely be -banned from driving-. He supposedly hid in the shadow of having a girlfriend as it came out the following July, first appearance in court from September. Wow..., how long to get reprimand for this one. "Is Alcohol Superseding Common Sense of Women/Men and Acceptance of it as a Norm Hurting it's Victims-Survivors?" I was a Witness to my husband's impact in Real Time and can tell you this Intoxicated Driver wasn't stopped, but the real cuprit isn't technology, but human ENABLERS/MONSTERS. What morality is adhered to for accountability, but Null? **Prohibition Please Firmly Consider It Once Again**. It HURTS Much More to Lose Loved One/s to this Heinous Criminal Act. Cell Phones another man made invention creating problems while driving. More needs to be done for **PREVENTION** of such Criminal Accidents. The shock is unbearable and then does one think about what other scenarios are out there?-OMG- Anyhow, writing brings me solace and "THANKYOU for SHARING YOUR STORY". An offender can be anyone and so can a Victim/s or Survivor/s . The real crime committed is enjoying Alcohol at other people's untimely expense-DEATH-. Awaken and Stop Them...The saying: "Tomorrow is Never Promised" is Very True. First Responders -CAN- Tell You and Live Witnesses Surely. Peace On. Will Keep in Prayers..A.J.

Submitted by shiannsmommy at 06:10 PM on March 7, 2012

i am shianns mom thank you for everyone who is involved and i am so sorry for the ones are have fallen victim to a drunk driver it is a struggle everyday with out my babies i lost shianns older brother 7 monthes before i lost shiann they have made me who i am today and i speak on different panels trying to help stop this again thank you all and my god bless each of yall

Submitted by Geri at 05:12 PM on March 7, 2012

I don't care why the wife did it, no one could ever make me do that for them.It's been a long time since my brother was killed by a drunk driver but when I hear things like this it's like it was yesterday. I'm so sorry you have to go through this Amie Jo cause I know it's forever in your heart.

Submitted by Mark at 05:08 PM on March 7, 2012

wow...it's amazing to know that I'm not alone...sometimes I feel as if I'm alone in this same type of crime that happened to us on July 18th 2011...it's just terrible to think that everyday people get behind the wheel that have had too much to drink. I have a very similar store to ShiAnn's...we were heading home just before 9PM on a Monday night only to get hit head on by a drunk driver of .21 BAC...the man is still out walking the streets and going about his everyday life (drinking) My innocent little peanut suffers from something she had no part in...not to mention the lifetime of punishment my girlfriend and I will suffer due to this...anyone that would like to reach out to me, please do, 610-762-3211, you can also find me on facebook, Mark Gunkel....

Submitted by ImMADD2 at 05:04 PM on March 7, 2012

My 35 y/o cousin was 1 year, 3 months ago by a repeat DUI driver, who had no license, no vehicle, or anything else except enough money to buy more booze and drugs. This driver, too left the scene of this horrific accident ... leaving his girlfriend hurt and bleeding in the vehicle the bartender/owner of the establishment in Louisiana loaned him when he left this establishment. My cousin, a Registered Nurse, was coming from visiting his brother a few miles up the road driving down a four-lane highway in the small town, when the drunk driver came out of a side road, never even slowed down and broad-sided him in the driver's side of his truck! He was killed instantly! The police did help find the run-away driver with some help from the hurt and bleeding girlfriend who was left at the scene and he was taken to the hospital to have blood drawn for the toxicology report, then taken directly to jail. He never got out of jail during the year that passed and they got him into court - he chose a bench-trial, because his defense attorney had advised him that they didn't believe they could seat an impartial jury in that small of a LA parish. The Judge sentenced to ten years, hard labor with opportunity for probation after 5 years. Our family does not believe he will get out before his full ten years is served as he is too much of a screw-up! We can only pray that is the case.

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