Families use a fatal Dubuque crash to show the students dangers of ruthless driving

Dubuque, Iowa (KCRG) – A few sandals and fitness shoes, blood stains and airbags used in a mutilated Chevy Camaro will remain just like on July 1, 2022.

The chaos of wires and twisted metal runs a point for Dubuque Wahlert Catholic High School on Thursday.

“Speed ​​and distracted driving affect them,” says Anthony Elskamp and remembers the summer night. “How many parents do we trust our children who make the right decisions, the right decisions. We never thought to tell them: 'Don't get into a quick car.'”

Speed ​​and distracted driving played a factor for the fatal crash, in which the life of 18-year-old William Wodrich IV, who was at the wheel, and 17-year-old passengers Kennedy Elskamp and Chloe Lucas.

The Iowa State Patrol says that the car drove in the northwest of almost 150 miles per hour when the car left the road, became in the air and was rolled into a ditch.

“This night was probably the worst nightmare to become a reality,” says Jon Lucas.

After the fatal crash, the families Elskamp and Lucas started the Forever Seventeen Foundation in honor of Kennedy and Chloe. The foundation wanted the Chevy Camaro to be kept and the car used to the Iowa State Patrol for events that represent the dangers of ruthless driving.

The families tour with state soldiers through IOWA and share their history in the hope of preventing distracted driving.

“We have answers from teachers, the community, the parents, the students that they affect their habits and decisions,” says Elskamp.

Two seniors of the Catholic high school seniors from Wahlert shared their reception for the Forever Seventeen program.

“The families can see and imagine:” What if I were? What if my family talked about my death there? “Asks Carter Hayden,” it hurts, but it also helps me know that these are the things I can absorb to help my family. “

“I am sad that it happened to them, but I am glad that they came because it will affect other people, and hopefully it will never happen again,” says Natalie Kuhle.

Almost three years later, Kennedy and Chloes say fathers that their daughters leave a legacy.

“They had no idea how many people touched them before,” says Lucas. “I hope that you will look down there and see how many thousands and thousands of children and humans continue to touch them today.”

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