The family of 22-year-old Alexander Heit is devastated. Their son was just at the beginning of what was sure to be a successful, fulfilling life. He was attending school at the University of Northern Colorado and he loved the outdoors. But one text message stood between him and his future. Now, that message is practically famous, being shown across the world. It is the text message that took his life.
We have long stressed the importance of not texting and driving and now Heit’s family is as well. Heit was driving in the city of Greeley, where his school is located, when he was typing this text to his friend: “Sounds good my man, seeya soon, ill tw”. And that’s where the message ends. Heit, who reportedly had his head down as he was typing it, had veered off into oncoming traffic. After attempting to quickly steer out of it, he rolled his car. Speed did not play a factor in the tragic accident.
Heit did not get the chance to finish the message that he had intended to send to a friend. He won’t have the opportunity to graduate, get a job, or raise a family. All because of the text message that he couldn’t wait to send. Even if you think something is urgent, it is not as necessary as your paying attention to the road is. That text, no matter the length or content, CAN WAIT. That is the message that Heit’s family wants all drivers to keep at heart.