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Family of woman killed by drunk driver urges sober driving

Posted at 10:36 PM, Dec 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-20 23:48:35-05

The family and friends of a woman killed by a drunk driver are urging people not to drink and drive this holiday season. Rachael Sonnier died when a drunk driver ran a red light and crashed into her car six years ago.

The accident happened at the intersection of Kaliste Saloom and Rue Louis XIV. Sonniers best friend, Julie Brister, said she urges people to practice sober driving.

“I don’t think anyone will ever heal from it because she will always be 22 and we will always be getting older without her,” Brister said.

Brister says the accident could have been much worse that night. 

“Initially she was going to her parents to watch a movie and I was supposed to go with her. I was supposed to be in the car with her,” Brister said.

Sonnier’s son was in the car with her. He survived and is now being raised by his grandparents.

“Her son has that memory of her… his last memory of his mom is being dead,” Brister said through tears.

Brister continues to make it her mission t spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, so no family has to experience the pain that she says, never goes away.