December 18, 2013

Austin McReynolds - a victim of Impaired Driving and Hit and Run in Tennessee

Austin McReynolds
Pfc. Austin McReynolds, age 21, died on December 14, 2013, on a roadway in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Austin had been out at a bar in Clarksville. It was a Friday night. He was walking home when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. His body was discovered by a passerby on his way to work at 5:00 a.m.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Capt. David Elliott, age 26, of Columbus, Ohio. His charges include vehicular homicide, DUI, driving on a revoked license, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Austin McReynolds graduated in 2011 from Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville where he played football.

He joined the military in 2012. He completed his basic combat training at Fort Jackson
David Elliott
in Columbia, South Carolina, and was later stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Friends describe Austin as a leader and a man of faith. He was genuine, kind and friendly to everyone. He was just an all around decent kid.

Family members describe Austin as a fine young man, who will be forever missed.

His colleagues at the Grace Christian Academy are deeply mourning his passing.

US Army Captain David Elliott admitted to police he had been drinking at the same bar as Austin and had driven home from there. He told police he thought he hit a deer.

Austin McReynolds and David Elliott were both off duty soldiers out at a bar. Both may have been impaired. The difference is that Austin was walking and David Elliott chose to drive.

You cannot drive while impaired from alcohol or street drugs or prescription drugs.

Jesus, pray for Austin
You are driving a 4,000 pound death machine while you are half asleep, can't see well and can't coordinate your movements. You may kill someone and suffer for it for the rest of your life.  Take a taxi or call someone for help.  It will save you a lifetime of regret.

Austin is survived by many loving friends and family members.

Pray for justice for Austin.

God save us from the drunk and doped up drivers. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Austin is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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