Car Accident in Wellington

[skydy]

[QUOTE=tja789;8471253]
Posters are not sharing their comments in the presence of grieving family members. This is an online discussion among strangers about a tragic car accident where alcohol was involved. Can’t you see the difference? In the present context, it seems perfectly acceptable to reflect sadly on both the loss of life and the role drunk driving played in the accident.[/QUOTE]

Can’t you see that there is no difference? This is a forum of horse people, online, that anyone can read.

You are assuming much when you believe that everyone here is a “stranger”.

It may seem “perfectly acceptable” in your world, to “reflect” in public. I find it in very poor taste (and potentially very hurtful) to do so immediately after the sudden death of two people.

[Secret_Dove]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local/show-jumper-hours-before-his-death-this-year-is-go/npx6r/

[BITSA]

I think this is all incredibly sad.

I do hope that if anything “positive” (I hate to use that word at all but can’t think of a suitable replacement) can come out of this, its a reminder to everyone not to drink and drive. It’s so easy to avoid; and the consequences are so very tragic.

[Secret_Dove]

https://medium.com/@laurenlockliear/what-we-really-need-to-say-about-andres-rodriguez-5d0748cf586e#.xwnpcwpma

[KellyS]

Thankfully no other vehicles or people were involved in the crash, with others killed due to driving under the influence.

I feel terrible for the grieving family and friends. They wouldn’t be in this position had a responsible decision to not drink and drive had been made. Some here may say that alcohol being a factor in the crash has not yet been proven, but my gut is, it will.

My husband is in law enforcement and has made many death notifications to families whose members have been killed by drunk drivers. While I can feel sympathy for those affected by these deaths, it makes me angry when people make such careless and selfish decisions that put themselves and others lives in jeopardy.

For those of you who think that is too harsh, spend some time with families who have had those they loved killed by drunk driving.

From what I know, “party hardy” on Sunday nights in Wellington is the norm. Is it also the norm to turn a blind eye to people leaving and driving home drunk? Sad, sad consequences, if so. :no:

[fordtraktor]

http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/cross-country-jim-wofford-touch-of-the-blarney-29974

[MHM]

[QUOTE=fordtraktor;8471923]
http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/cross-country-jim-wofford-touch-of-the-blarney-29974[/QUOTE]
That was wonderful. Thank you for posting it.

[JenJ]

[QUOTE=KellyS;8471887]

snip

From what I know, “party hardy” on Sunday nights in Wellington is the norm. Is it also the norm to turn a blind eye to people leaving and driving home drunk? Sad, sad consequences, if so. :no:[/QUOTE]

It is not just Wellington. I was a groom in Ocala about 10 years ago. It is a whole different culture. It was the norm to get as drunk as possible every Sunday night. My barn’s housing accommodation was close to downtown and taxis were plentiful and affordable. I imagine the local hospital got several admissions for alcohol poisoning every Sunday night.

[JenJ]

[QUOTE=KellyS;8471887]

snip

From what I know, “party hardy” on Sunday nights in Wellington is the norm. Is it also the norm to turn a blind eye to people leaving and driving home drunk? Sad, sad consequences, if so. :no:[/QUOTE]

It is not just Wellington. I was a groom in Ocala about 10 years ago. It is a whole different culture. It was the norm to get as drunk as possible every Sunday night. My barn’s housing accommodation was close to downtown and taxis were plentiful and affordable. I imagine the local hospital got several admissions for alcohol poisoning every Sunday night.

[OldHorse]

Been out of showing for a long time, BUT everyone who did/does still knows that Sunday nights, Monday’s & Tuesday’s are opportunities to have Fun. If FUN to some is drinking beyond ability to drive, even a 16 year old should know it’s not a great idea to get behind the wheel or be a passenger. These 2 were of old enough to have more sense to drive or be a passenger. I enjoy my cocktails too, but I never EVER have drove nor been a passenger of someone who should NOT be behind the wheel.

Curious if anyone was at the Birthday party? Was it not obvious he had too much to drink??? For the officials to know immediatley that alcohol was involved it must of been very obvious. Shame on all those who were at the party to not take that extra step and assure that they had safe rides home. Just because he’s an accomplished professional rider does not make him exempt from being totally SUPERMAN. And where were their spouses? Or their close friends? I hope they can live with their decision to just let this happen.

Sorry if this offends anyone, but in this day and age this is just unacceptable no matter who you are. Celebrities aren’t exempt, and neither should him or her. She should of known not to get in the passenger seat also. These 2 weren’t alone, and no one stepped up and just let it happen.

I feel awful for all who knew and loved these 2. Big lesson learned here hopefully and next time you think a couple drinks won’t impair your abilities, think again. Live and learn from this tragedy.

God Bless them and their family and friends. This will be very difficult to handle but I needed to get this off my chest.

NO EXCUSE

[BAC]

[QUOTE=fordtraktor;8471923]
http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/cross-country-jim-wofford-touch-of-the-blarney-29974[/QUOTE]

I read this article in PH when they first published it but I had no idea who Andres Rodriguez was and never made the connection.

[GotMyPony]

I think posters may be forgetting that one of earliest effects of drinking too much is bad judgement - as in, not realizing you’ve had too much to drink. Or maybe even not realizing that their friends have had too much to drink. When I look back at some of the stupid things I did when I was younger, I could have easily been in a terrible accident that would have been my own fault. But that’s hindsight. There for the grace of God go I.

Drunk driving is absolutely wrong. No argument here. But give it a rest and show a little respect for two people who were probably celebrating the end of a great week and looking forward to much more success and many more good times. Terribly sad they won’t ever see those. Period.

[tja789]

[QUOTE=skydy;8471523]
Can’t you see that there is no difference? This is a forum of horse people, online, that anyone can read.

You are assuming much when you believe that everyone here is a “stranger”.

It may seem “perfectly acceptable” in your world, to “reflect” in public. I find it in very poor taste (and potentially very hurtful) to do so immediately after the sudden death of two people.[/QUOTE]

Do you seriously think that wealthy celebrities care about the opinions of this “forum of horse people, online”? Perhaps some people in this thread are not strangers to each other, but almost all are strangers to the unfortunate people who were killed in the accident. As Orangecrush stated, it’s narcissistic to assume that opinions expressed here will be read by or matter to the grieving families of the victims. You are not important to them or involved in their world. Nor does your holier-than-thou attitude make you superior to other posters who mention the awful consequences of drunk driving.

[worth_the_wait08]

[QUOTE=akor;8471065]

As for the drinking part, I also must say that ANYONE who has driven a vehicle that says they have NEVER let themselves become distracted, you are in denial. Rather than blaming someone, or judging because alcohol was involved, I suggest you take a moment to say a “thank you” to whatever power you believe in that your changing radio stations, eating, talking on the phone, texting, rustling in a bag, trying to beat light, passing when it wasn’t really safe, drinking coffee, etc did not result in the taking of another life or a serious accident.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=GotMyPony;8472523]I think posters may be forgetting that one of earliest effects of drinking too much is bad judgement - as in, not realizing you’ve had too much to drink. Or maybe even not realizing that their friends have had too much to drink. When I look back at some of the stupid things I did when I was younger, I could have easily been in a terrible accident that would have been my own fault. But that’s hindsight. There for the grace of God go I.

Drunk driving is absolutely wrong. No argument here. But give it a rest and show a little respect for two people who were probably celebrating the end of a great week and looking forward to much more success and many more good times. Terribly sad they won’t ever see those. Period.[/QUOTE]

These ^^^

[Trixie]

This is just embarrassing - the speculation and too-tight judgypants here is out of control.

Condolences to their friends and families. That is all.

[JumpHigh]

[QUOTE=tja789;8472561]
Do you seriously think that wealthy celebrities care about the opinions of this “forum of horse people, online”? Perhaps some people in this thread are not strangers to each other, but almost all are strangers to the unfortunate people who were killed in the accident. As Orangecrush stated, it’s narcissistic to assume that opinions expressed here will be read by or matter to the grieving families of the victims. You are not important to them or involved in their world. Nor does your holier-than-thou attitude make you superior to other posters who mention the awful consequences of drunk driving.[/QUOTE]
Actually many people on here knew and loved them.

[Milly1]

I have no interest in getting into the prior nonsense that has been posted, I just wanted to put this thought out there. People’s responses are based off of their experiences. Everyone has a right to express their feelings and emotions but sometimes you have to ask yourself if expressing it right NOW is really going to lead to any lasting change. Probably not.

My heart goes out to the loved ones and friends of course, but I feel great empathy for the individuals who find themselves left behind to clean up after this accident. Really this goes for any loss, particularly those that were unexpected. The grooms, the barn managers, assistants, working students, clients etc. that shared the same sweat, blood and tears that these riders did everyday. Being the one left behind when a great piece of a barn has been lost is not a good feeling at all. Not only are these individuals needing to grieve themselves but they also are there supporting the spouses and family while still keeping the horses fed, worked, etc. If you happen to find yourself in a position to reach out and offer a hand to these people, I hope you can do so. If you happen to be one of those people and just happen to be reading this, don’t be afraid to reach out to others.

[skydy]

[QUOTE=tja789;8472561]
Do you seriously think that wealthy celebrities care about the opinions of this “forum of horse people, online”? Perhaps some people in this thread are not strangers to each other, but almost all are strangers to the unfortunate people who were killed in the accident. As Orangecrush stated, it’s narcissistic to assume that opinions expressed here will be read by or matter to the grieving families of the victims. You are not important to them or involved in their world. Nor does your holier-than-thou attitude make you superior to other posters who mention the awful consequences of drunk driving.[/QUOTE]

The people you refer to as “wealthy celebrities” are human beings and they have friends and acquaintances that are not “wealthy celebrities”.

You assume an awful lot when you proceed like a bull in a china shop and if you think about it, perhaps you will realize who it is that really has the “holier than thou” attitude.

There is no point in arguing with you. We seem to live in separate realities. I suppose that you have plenty of company on the internet with people who feel as you do, entitled to criticize and pontificate immediately after the sudden death of two people.
Go ahead, they aren’t real to you are they? They are “wealthy celebrities” so they are fair game… :no:

I realize that you don’t feel the same way as I do, to say the least we have very different perspectives, so rather than continue being a part of this embarrassment I will agree to disagree.

[FalseImpression]

skydy, I really wonder too if you would feel differently if the driver was anonymous…
Two cases here… a drunk woman wiped out a whole family last weekend in Western Canada… parents and two kids… but I am sure she was a wonderful person…
In September, another drunk driver wiped out a van, killing 3 children and their grandfather, seriously injuring the grandmother… also I am sure a wonderful person…
I don’t care WHO the drunk driver is, he/she does not deserve praise and accolades, esp. because he was famous.
I do feel for the remaining families and victims, but for the culprit, not so much.

And if it makes me heartless in your book, so be it. Because he was well known does NOT give him a pass. Period. His friends and the families should realize that. Hopefully, there will be a change of attitude in Wellington and Ocala… but who knows.

[SendenHorse]

I’ve been going back and forth with myself about this idea-- how do I understand and react to a death where someone knowingly did something reckless? He was known to drive drunk, right? Isn’t it sort of inevitable this would be the next stage of the game? How does that impact greif?

On facebook I believe comments were removed alluding to “why were they together when both are married?” so this conversation has been tame compared to that. It’s natural that people talk and speculate. They put themselves in a bad situation.

I don’t have answers, nor do I need to, but everyone is entitled to their own reactions. Its made me think, but I don’t personally feel sad about it. People die all the time. My reaction would be a lot different if it was out of his control.

I just hope from this people take the advice to not drive themselves home from a party.