May 5, 2014

Laura LaPlante - a victim of impaired driving in Chicago

Laura LaPlante
Laura LaPlante, age 26, of Hancock, New Hampshire, died on May 2, 2014, at a hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Laura had been out with friends and after 1:00 a.m., she and a male friend were in a taxi going home. At about 1:50 a.m., the taxi was struck by another vehicle.

The vehicle was an SUV and was travelling south in the northbound lanes of a major Chicago highway. The SUV was going the wrong way on the highway. The taxi was struck head on.

It appeared that the SUV didn't have license plates.

After the collision, Laura, her male friend and the cab driver, were taken to a local hospital where they all were listed in critical condition. Sadly, Laura passed away that evening.

Laura's friend and the cab driver will survive. 
Erik Johnson

Erik Johnson, age 23, has been arrested and charged with reckless homicide and drunk driving in connection with Laura's death. It is alleged that he was at a party and was driving impaired before this fatal collision. After the crash, Erik Johnson exited his vehicle and pissed on the grass.

To All Drivers: If you find that you are drunk or doped up on street drugs or prescription drugs or if you are falling asleep on your feet, do NOT drive. Call a family member or a friend for a ride; or take a taxi; or stay where you are until you sober up; or crawl home on your hands and knees. It will be better for you and for the world if you do.

Regret can last a lifetime.

Laura was a third year law student at the University of Chicago. She expected to graduate this year.

University officials stated that Laura was intelligent, focused, generous, pleasant to be around and big-hearted. She was tactful and diplomatic. She always tried to keep a smile on her face. She had lined up a job with a law firm in Boston after graduation.

Laura's family members are devastated over her sudden and senseless death. She will be forever mourned.

Her friends stated that she will be forever missed and remembered. 

Light a candle for Laura. Light her way
to Heaven. 
Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next.

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

Pray that Laura is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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