OMG..no.... Two local cyclists killed..third seriously wounded

[deeaimond]

This is really tragic and sad. For the two lives lost, the families, even for this woman who has to live with what she has done. If she was drunk at 4 in the afternoon she must have some serious problems.

I was looking through the comments on the first link, and i'm amazed at the animosity some people have for cyclists. Unfortunately, to non-cyclists, all kinds of cyclists are lumped in the same category. I think thats the problem. They don't really have any clue what we're doing.

(Honestly, I always fear something like this might happen to me, and have my parents have to deal with the aftermath. But I tell myself at least I'm living life to the fullest, doing something I like. When we cycle on the road, these are the risks we're taking.)

[OakLeaf]

I'm so sorry to hear that.

[tctrek]

It's hard to believe that people drive drunk. The amount of accidents and deaths caused by drunk drivers is proof that the DUI laws are too lenient. I think if you kill someone while driving drunk that it is murder. Period.

[itself]

We have a zero tolerance for alcohol here in Arizona. In fact, Charles Barclay, NBA star, was recently put in "tent" city here after an offense, a place you just don't want to go to...rats everywhere.

If you get a DUI here in AZ, six months in jail, and a five thousand dollar fine. Many of course, go to an attorney but still end up in tent city.

This incident is so senseless. Hopefully the driver will get vehicular homicide and spend a lot of time in jail...

Lisa

[cmac77354]

Prayers to the families of those who lost their lives and to the survivor.

[fidlfreek]

This makes me so angry. I agree that this should be murder, not manslaughter. But the article makes it seem like manslaughter is the way they're going. Its all about intent, unfortunately I don't think recklessness counts...Maybe there's an attorney in the house who can clear this up....

Borland was being held in the Tulsa County jail on two complaints of first-degree manslaughter.

[kenyonchris]

This makes me so angry. I agree that this should be murder, not manslaughter. But the article makes it seem like manslaughter is the way they're going. Its all about intent, unfortunately I don't think recklessness counts...Maybe there's an attorney in the house who can clear this up....

Not an attorney (I'm a cop), but in TEXAS (and many other states) you can be charged with "Intoxication Manslaughter"...which is what this would be. In Texas, it is a second degree felony, regardless of whether it is a first time offender or not. You can, by the way, also be charged with Intoxication Assault (operating a vehicle, boat, aircraft, or amusement park ride while intoxicated and causing serious bodily injury to another while doing it).
In intoxication crimes, there is no intent needed.
How terribly sad for these cyclists.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Sorry I haven't come back on sooner. For some reason, I wasn't getting post reply emails on this thread. Ugh...

My fellow cycling community and I are all still very shaken up by this tragedy. For me, I wish alcohol related fatalities could be tried as murder. Manslaughter just implies "accident" and this was no accident. She decided to get loaded and get behind the wheel (again). She can risk her own life by drinking and taking drugs (there is talk she abuses xanax as well - I don't know how true all that is)...but when she gets behind the wheel, she puts innocent lives at risk. NO ONE has the right to remove someone else's safety. Its no accident when you impair yourself and then kill someone while driving. Its a consequence. She might as well have pulled a gun and shot our friends.

Christa's funeral was this morning. Matt's is on Tuesday in Arkansas (where his family lives). I found out that Matt had worked at the company where I do. He was laid off a few months ago due to the Oil and Gas market downturn (along with the rest of the economy). Even more sadness to the story, you know? I proably saw him many times in the lobby but just didn't recognize him without his team kit and helmet on. Christa was a luminous lady...always smiling and lifting others up. I should strive to be more like her..

Sad sad sad. I cannot bring myself to go ride...esp not alone as I usually do. At some point, I need to bolster my emotions and just ride. I just can't bring myself to do it yet.