Fayetteville mom whose son was killed in a car crash wants other teens to learn from his death
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Six months ago, Lisa Heath looked forward to seeing her son graduate from high school.
However, her dream was shattered on a chilly November day. Her son, 17-year-old Brian Widhalm, was killed when his car crashed into a tree.
She says it's a heartbreak no parent should ever have to feel.
"It's terrible," Heath said. "It's a horrible feeling waking up every morning knowing that your child Is not there."
Every day, Heath drives past the spot on Johnson Farm Road where Brian died. NC State Patrol officers say he lost control of his car in a curve, over-corrected, swerved off the road, and then hit a tree.
Heath says Brian may have been distracted or momentarily took his eyes off the road. She now hopes her son's death will be a lesson to other drivers. She hopes to convince them to drive safe and smart behind the wheel. It's something she told to her son every time he left the house.
"Many teenagers believe they are invincible - that something like this can't happen to them. I am here to tell you that it can," said Heath.
She has written an open and personal letter to all drivers, young and old. (Click here to read the letter.) She also passes out wrist bracelets that say "Do it for Brian."
Heath wants teen drivers headed to a prom, graduation party, or the beach to keep safe and pay attention behind the wheel. It's a message straight from her heart.
"I don't want any other mother to be where I am today and if I can be the voice to help the teens wake up and listen, then that's what I am going to do," she said.
Heath said she gets request from around the country for the wrist bracelets, and also plans to upload her open letter to drivers on her Facebook page.
