Erin Horst
Published: December 4, 2008

DUBUQUE- Linda Chapman lives with many memories, but the one she would like to forget happened on June 5th, 2004.

“We were at a wedding, out in Farley, Iowa,” said Chapman.

What started out as a celebration of new beginnings, ended in the worst way.

“She was having a good time, and I said to her, you’re not driving by any means are you? She said, oh God, no mom, I wouldn’t drive. It would cost me everything I’ve earned,” said Chapman.

But Nicole was not the only driver on the road that night.

“The doorbell rang at about a quarter to four, and there was the sheriff, and he said well your daughter’s been in an accident, and I said well how is she? They said the worst words a parent ever can hear, and that’s she didn’t make it,” relives Chapman.

Nicole was killed by a drunk driver that night.

“His three quarter ton truck hit a medium, crossed the four lane highway, became airborne and landed directly on their SUV,” stated Chapman.

For Linda, one man’s irresponsible decision had grave repercussions.

“Our life has changed…for the worst,” said Chapman.

The driver was charged with vehicular manslaughter and given two twenty-five year prison sentences, but Linda was sentenced as well.

“I live with a death sentence. I can only go to a grave to visit my daughter,” said Chapman.

Now Linda knows there are some things you never forget.

“There’s not a night that I don’t go to bed, and I think about my daughter, and that violent death. All caused because one young man thought he could drink and drive,” said Chapman.

And to honor Nicole’s memory, Linda tells her story, hoping it will save other families the pain of losing a loved one.

“This should have never happened; this was a completely preventable death,” said Chapman.

For anyone who hears the story, the message is as clear as it was to Nicole four years ago.

“If you drink, you should not be driving,” said Chapman.

Erin Horst can be reached at Erin.Horst@loras.edu