jed’s statement

I am going to post this here, I think I may keep it available to the world. Jed is a wonderful person, who had a fatal accident, after drinking and driving, with another drunk driver. He survived, the other driver did not. And a second person was also killed. So here it is, and this will be the last thing I ever post about the tragedy

July 20, 2010
New London, CT

I cannot begin to express the true depths of shame and remorse that I feel for the morning of May 24, 2009. The past decade of my life has been fraught with irresponsible behavior and poor decisions, but I have always sought to treat everyone kindly and with fairness. However I have failed to realize the far-reaching and disastrous results my actions could have, and now the ultimate result of those actions is the deaths of two young people, Josh and Danielle. I would give anything to take that morning back, but that cannot be done. I think that the best that I can do, at the moment is to strive to become a better man by acting in a more responsible manner, and making the right choices in life. I vow to do this so that I can become a positive and empowering presence in the lives of those around me.

I would like to start by apologizing to my family. I’m sorry to have been a source of such pain and stress in the past 14 months. You have plenty else to worry about in your lives, and you didn’t need an extra burden on your minds. It pains me greatly to have brought that upon you. Despite that you have been extremely supportive of me, as you always have been. I count myself lucky to be a part of such a close, loving and understanding family. One thing I have learned during this time is how good you truly are to me, and how appreciative I am of you. I promise to let you know that more frequently from now on.

Most importantly I need to apologize to the families of Josh and Danielle. I have never been more afraid of anything in my life than I am of facing you, because I am incredibly ashamed of what happened, and I know that you must hate me. I do not expect your forgiveness, nor do I believe that I deserve it. This experience has taught me the incredible importance of family, and I have participated in inflicting a wound on yours that may never heal. I hope that you will find strength , and in time you will have some relief from the pain that has been brought upon you. I trust that the legacies of your loved ones will be ones of joy, happiness and most of all love. Again, I am deeply sorry for what has happened.

The greatest source of shame and remorse for me is for Danielle’s child. Because of my stupidity and irresponsibility you have to grow up without a mother, and I am extremely sorry. I know that your family will come together to give you the best future possible. I hope that you can learn from my mistakes and you will make the right choices in life so that you can grow up to be a good and responsible person. A person that people will look to when they need a strong and positive person when they need it the most. I’m sorry and I wish you the best of luck.

My mental and emotional anguish during this time surely pales in comparison to that of those who love Danielle and Josh. I feel that something in me was lost that morning that will never come back, and I know that others in this courtroom feel the same about themselves. For that, I;m not sure I can ever be forgiven, but in time everyone who was hurt by this tragedy can find some strength and peace.