Brian DeWitt, 18
Funny & Smart with a Huge Smile and Amazing Hugs
by Deborah DeWitt
Friends and Family honor this young man EVERY YEAR by hostingBaseball for Brian
Illinois--I was woken by my husband John who told me Brian was at the hospital. He had been in an accident. We rushed to the hospital. We had to make a detour because they had blocked off the street. We later found out that was where Brian had been killed by a young police officer speeding through the intersection in an unmarked car with no sirens or mars lights. The report indicates that he was traveling 90 mph in a 30 mph zone. This officer used bad judgment, which resulted in my son's death. My son Brian can never be replaced. He died over a traffic stop. I am outraged.
Our lives will never be the same without Brian. My heart is broken and saying goodbye to my sweet son was the hardest thing I had to do in my life. He was such a loving son and brother and friend to all. He was funny and smart and popular and handsome.
He always had a huge smile and big cheeks and gave everyone amazing hugs. I wanted him to go to college and become a fireman and raise a family of his own just like he wanted. I would trade places with him if I could. It is not fair that his life was taken nine days after he turned 18. Brian was the innocent victim of an officer's careless mistake, and I have to live the rest of my life without him and it truly sucks.
We will always miss him and love him. Words cannot describe the pain. I can only hope that another family does not have to go through this and that I will see my son again in heaven.
Note: While in Chicago to speak before the Highway Safety Committee meeting of the IACP (October 2011), Candy Priano visited with Debbie, and Brian's dad John and sister Cindy. Brian's sister Jessica was away at college. She says, "It was an honor to meet Brian's family and one can easily see why Brian was such a sweet, young man."
Baseball for Brian 2013: The sweetest baseball team!
By Maria Anchacles
Three years ago today, Oct. 5, 2010, we lost one of our greatest friends, Brian DeWitt, but today we remembered him by playing one of his favorite games. Thank you to everyone who came out and participated, cheered, and donated. We raised over $1,000 for PursuitSAFETY and are happy our angel held off on the rain until the end.
