Who We Are
We are victims, survivors, and advocates demanding honesty in how our loved ones’ deaths are defined and remembered.When someone is killed by impaired driving, drug poisoning, or reckless behavior, it is not an accident, it is a preventable act that deserves truth, accuracy, recognition, and clarity.
The Not an Accident Campaign (NAC) is a national alliance dedicated to reforming how coroners, medical examiners, and public agencies classify preventable deaths. We work to ensure that official records, public policies, and media reporting reflect the real cause, not a misleading or arbitrary label.
Our Mission
To secure truth, transparency, precision, and justice in the classification of preventable deaths.
Our Vision
A world where no preventable death is dismissed as an “accident.”
A justice system that tells the truth and acts on it.
A society that honors every victim with honesty, dignity, and change.
Champions of Justice
Candace Lightner
Victim Advocate
Co-Founder NAC
Campaign & Strategy Director
As the founder of We Save Lives and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Candace Lightner is credited with transforming national attitudes toward drunk driving and saving over 475,000 lives. She has spearheaded numerous campaigns, including “Crash vs. Accident,” National Passenger Safety Week, and #ButNotWhileDriving.
Candace is a prolific writer, contributing articles to major publications and co-authoring the book Giving Sorrow Words: How to Cope with Grief and Get On with Your Life (Warner Books). Her story was the subject of the Emmy-nominated television movie Mothers Against Drunk Drivers: The Candy Lightner Story. Additionally, she serves as the executive producer for several impactful videos and PSAs.
A prominent advocate, Candace teaches victims and survivors how to seek justice in court. Her remarkable ability to empower individuals to overcome grief and effect change in their communities has earned her national recognition as a champion for victims’ rights.
Matt Capelouto
Victim Advocate
Co-Founder NAC
Campaign Director
Driven by the loss of his daughter, Alexandra, to a counterfeit fentanyl-laced pill, Matt has become a leading voice in the fight against illegal drugs and counterfeit pills. He works closely with lawmakers, prosecutors, and families to advance legal reforms, improve warnings to offenders, and strengthen tools that protect communities from repeat drug dealers.
A tireless advocate, Matt educates families on navigating the justice system and empowers survivors to demand truth, accountability, and systemic change. His work has brought national attention to the devastating consequences of drug poisoning and has positioned him as a respected leader in the victims’ rights and drug-policy reform movements.
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Larry Hatfield
Victim Advocate
Research Specialist
Larry Hatfield holds a BA in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and is an active member of the Stanislaus County Opioid Safety Coalition and StanHOPE Families.
After losing his oldest daughter, Cory, to fentanyl poisoning in 2024, he has dedicated himself to opioid education and awareness while cherishing time with his grandchildren.
Carol Schweigert
Victim Advocate
Family Outreach & Coalition Builder
Carol Schweigert holds an MA in Cross-Disciplinary Studies (College Student Affairs Administration and Conflict Resolution) and a BA in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration.
After losing her son to fentanyl poisoning in 2018, she dedicated her life to fentanyl awareness, education, and legislative advocacy.
Dr. Fillmore Smiley
Victim Advocate
Policy & Data Specialist
Dr. Fillmore Lewis Smiley IV is a clinical therapist, father, and activist committed to healing trauma and addiction. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, an M.A. in Forensic Psychology, a B.S. in Business Administration from USC, and an A.A. in Addiction Studies, and is certified as both an LAADC and APCC.
After losing his daughter Rosenda to an impaired driver, he founded Rosenda’s Gift to support families affected by impaired driving.
Samuel Chapman
Victim Advocate
Publicist
Samuel P. Chapman is CEO of Parent Collective Inc. and a fentanyl-poisoning prevention advocate. He and his wife, Dr. Laura Berman, became nationally active following the 2021 death of their 16-year-old son, Sammy, from fentanyl-poisoned drugs obtained through social media.
Since then, Samuel has emerged as a leading voice for accountability and reform, including advocacy for “Sammy’s Law” (H.R. 2657), which would require social media platforms to allow third-party parental safety tools.
Kellie Montalvo
Traffic Safety Advocate
Nonprofit Leader
Kellie is the founder of Streets Are For Everyone Inland Empire (SAFE IE), a chapter of SAFE Los Angeles, and is dedicated to preventing roadway injuries and saving lives. Her advocacy is driven by the loss of her 21-year-old son, Benjamin Montalvo, who was killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bike in Corona, CA, on June 12, 2020. Kellie devoted herself full-time to advancing safer streets, stronger impaired driving laws, and victims’ rights. She has advocated at the state and federal levels and worked with local cities to improve roadway safety through education, infrastructure, and accountability.