Sam Abrams, your thoughtfulness and maturity speak well for you, for your family, for Jerry, and for his family. Your proposed plan of action is a loving tribute.

There's a really good book that is designed for teens who have lost someone close (and it's not in the least bit condescending)entitled _When a Friend Dies_ by Marilyn Gootman. She understands that grieving is so big that we can only get through it in small bits.

My best thoughts are with you, Jerry's family and other friends, as well as Mr. Adbul-Quyyum and his family and friends.

Prayers sent for all involved. What a terrible tragedy.

My condolenses to the family and friends! I truly feel sorry for you.

However, people need to just slow down! Regardless of the speed limit, if you can't make a curve at that speed, then slow down. If this is the curve I am certain that it is, there is a sign posting a recommended speed for it, telling you that it is there. If Jerry has driven this road before (which obviously he has based on the last post), he knew it was a tight corner, and still was going too fast, or got off the road, or SOMETHING that made him lose control. If he blew a tire, that is one thing, but if it was a driver error, there is no reason for that. We all make mistakes, so I am not throwing the kid under the bus, I'm just saying... people need to slow down a be more cautious. (those who know me will know that I am NOT talking about driving like old men/women, just knowing what you're doing and knowing your limits)

I have to agree that that curve needs straightening. It's just a matter of time before another fatality occurs there. Life-changing accidents don't get the publicity that a fatal accident does, so I wonder how many serious accidents have occurred there.

It needs to be fixed!

Jerry was a very close friend of mine, and he drove me around that bend one day not long before his wreck. It is a terrible curve and anyone could have lost control. In response to jbirdnc, the police reported that he wasn't speeding or doing anything wrong. And for sunshine4u, his family is staying strong, but it is obviously a very tough time for them. I stayed with them a lot in the ICU waiting room and I was there when Jerry died. They really appreciated all of Jerry's friends that came to see him and keep them company. I can't even imagine how tough it is for his parents, Jerry being their only child. Jerry was a wonderful kid, a great friend, and a kindhearted guy. We all love him and miss him.

I plan on taking some sort of action to straighten that curve and make it more safe for everyone else. I would greatly appreciate any support.

- Sam Abrams