In Memory of Sherman Richardson
On Friday, December 5, 2014, my beloved husband Sherman, my soulmate and the love of my life, tragically lost his life in a horrific hit-and-run crash on Long Island’s Southern State Parkway. This devastating incident was caused by a reckless driver who was intoxicated and under the influence of drugs.
At 6:30 a.m., just thirty minutes before the unimaginable, Sherman kissed me goodbye as he headed to work. Little did we know that his journey would take a tragic turn as his car was violently struck by another vehicle traveling at an astonishing 90 miles per hour. The impact forcibly sent Sherman's car off the road and crashing into a tree, claiming his life instantly.
The heart-wrenching part of this story is that the driver responsible callously fled the scene, displaying complete disregard for human life. One can only speculate about Sherman's last thoughts as he faced this horrific fate.
Adding to this nightmare, the irresponsible driver tried to conceal evidence by conspiring with others, even going so far as to set the car he was driving on fire. (Not one ounce of remorse.)
I received the devastating call from the State Police at 12:15 p.m. that afternoon, around the same time when Sherman would be calling me during his lunch break. I found out why state police were calling when I saw my husband's crashed car online before the authorities arrived to inform me my husband died.
After more than two decades of a happy marriage, I became a widow, and my life was forever altered. It serves as a stark reminder that life can change in the blink of an eye.
During my harrowing journey, MADD emerged as an invaluable support system. Though I had heard of MADD before, I never imagined that I would one day require their services. I am profoundly grateful that they reached out to me and the unwavering support they provided during this dark and traumatic period.
My MADD Victim Specialist accompanied me to each and every court appointment, and was at my side throughout the entire trial. MADD not only provided me with support, I also found “my voice” and the strength to seek justice, not only for my husband, but for all victims of such tragedies. I could not have endured this ordeal alone, I am forever grateful to MADD.
I now actively advocate alongside MADD and participate in Walk Like MADD events, which are aimed at raising mission-critical funds for Mothers Against Drunk Driving® to eradicate the 100 percent preventable crime of drunk and impaired driving. Walk Like MADD provides a platform for those affected by drunk and drugged driving to transform their grief into hope and healing. It also allows communities to rally together and support those who are suffering, taking collective action to prevent others from enduring the pain caused by these heinous, senseless, and entirely preventable crimes.
I invite you to join me in supporting the Capital Region Walk Like MADD. It will be held at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 15th at 9 a.m. Honor your loved one(s), learn more, register & donate at www.walklikemadd.org/CapitalRegion.
Thank you,
Jawana Richardson