Andrew was passionate about skateboarding, dreaming of going pro one day. He often rode his board to church on Wednesday nights for youth group, where he found community and connection.
But on the evening of April 26, 2012, at 8:40 PM, I received the call no parent ever wants to hear. It was Andrew’s youth pastor on the line, delivering the devastating news: “There has been an accident, and Andrew is hurt.”
When we arrived at the scene, our hearts raced, desperately searching for answers. But the EMTs and police wouldn’t allow us to see him. They were focused on the chaos of the moment, and we were left in anguish, unable to find closure. We learned that Andrew had been riding his 10-speed bike, just moments after leaving the church parking lot. In a tragic turn of events, he was struck head-on by a woman who was on her phone, rushing to another church to pick up her kids. Andrew was killed instantly, his vibrant life abruptly cut short.
This was not just an accident; it was a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of distracted driving. Andrew’s dreams, his laughter, and his spirit were taken from us in an instant, leaving an irreplaceable void in our lives.
John, Andrew’s Dad