'A nightmare that I can't wake up from'
BRIAN WALKER/Press Karrie Thomson, right, whose son, Monte, died in an auto crash north of Post Falls a year ago, spoke to Lakeland High students on Friday about the dangers of risky driving behaviors, including around graduation time. Here, she is consoled by Lakeland mother Debbie Farris after the ceremony and a mock crash.
Photo courtesy of Northern Lakes Fire District Law enforcement personnel from Rathdrum Police and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, who are acting during a mock crash, restrain an acting father who became upset at the drunk driver when he found out his daughter died during the exercise. Lakeland High seniors look on Friday during the education excercise on the dangers of risky driving.
Photo courtesy of Northern Lakes Fire District From left, Northern Lakes Fire District's Jason Paulson, Eric Foti, Capt. Fritz Wiedenhoff and Caleb Tyler work on extracation during a mock crash on Friday in Rathdrum. Lakeland High seniors in the background, who are about to graduate, learned about the dangers of risky driving behaviors. Students, parents and personnel from several area agencies participated in the exercise.
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
RATHDRUM — Karrie Thomson spoke to Lakeland High graduating seniors about what no parent or other student should have to endure.
Speaking publicly on Friday for the first time since her son, Monte, and his friend, Leo Neal Jr., died a year ago during a high-speed crash north of Post Falls, Thomson provided students a stark and emotional reminder about the dangers of risky driving behaviors.
"For me, it's real," Thomson said, fighting back tears. "It's a nightmare that I can't wake up from. This is when my life changed forever."
Thomson's testimony followed a mock crash that included student, parent and emergency responder actors and was observed by the seniors.
Monte was a student at Central Valley High School, while Leo attended Post Falls High.
Thomson told the Lakeland students that it doesn't necessarily take drinking or texting behind the wheel to lead to tragedy. Monte was driving more than 80 mph on rural Hayden Avenue and lost control of the vehicle when it hydroplaned, she said.
"He was an amazing driver," she said, adding that he even took a driving course on skid control.
Thomson said Monte earned great grades and had taken several college courses in high school. He was driven, humble, kind and loved giving back to his community. Monte, she said, was the student who always made friends with the new kids on campus.
"He was a kid who never broke the rules because the consequences were too big," she said.
But, she said, one slip proved devastating.
"That night on May 23, 2016, he made a mistake," she said. "Unfortunately, it cost them their lives."
Thomson told the students now is the time to ask questions when it comes to risky driving.
"How many times have you drank just a few, did drugs or texted behind the wheel?" she asked the students. "How many of you have showed off your car (by speeding) because you knew you weren't going to get caught? We have to figure out who we are because it doesn't just affect parents, but your entire family and your entire community."
Thomson said she spoke because if she can prevent just one student from making a mistake behind the wheel, it's worth it.
Lakeland parent Debbie Farris, whose daughter, Madi, was a "victim" in the mock crash, said Thomson's testimony and the crash had an impact on her and she believes the students as well. Participants in the event included Northern Lakes Fire District, Rathdrum Police, Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Idaho State Police, Bell Tower Funeral Home, Kootenai County Substance Abuse Council, Holiday Inn Express Hayden/Triple Play, Superior Towing and Life Flight.
"I hope the kids got the message to slow down and be smart behind the wheel," Farris said. "I'm constantly telling (Madi) to slow down, and I think she got the message."
Madi said the crash involving Monte and Leo hit close to home.
"It can happen to anyone," she said.
Anita Kronvall, an ISP chaplain and one of the event's organizers, lost her daughter, Carla James, 37, when she was struck by a teen who was under the influence of drugs. Both of James' children in the vehicle survived the crash that occurred 15 years ago.
"Don't do it," Kronvall softly said of the simple message. "It isn't worth a life."
Lakeland principal Trent Derrick said students should know there is always someone to help if they get in a bind before driving.
"Make that phone call," he said.
Thomson, who received a standing ovation from those in attendance, will receive Monte's honorary diploma on June 10.
"No parent or student should ever have to endure such a tragedy and relive it every day of their life," she said.