Elizabeth Braly - killed by an Impaired Driver in Daytona Beach, Florida

Elizabeth Braly and grandchild

Elizabeth Braly, age 45, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, died on June 24, 2014, in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

Elizabeth, her husband and family were in Florida to cheer for her youngest son, Jason, age 12, at a state finals track meet in Miami. The 12-year-old finished second for his age group.  Elizabeth was known for attending all of her kids' sporting events and for taking numerous photos. 

Her husband, Mark, and her son, Jason, returned to North Carolina after the track event and Elizabeth stayed on to visit with relatives.  Her son, Jonathan and his wife, Ashley, stayed with her.  All three went for a walk on the beach on the night before they were to leave Florida.  Elizabeth wanted to take some photos of the sunset on the beach.  

Shawn Doolan, age 35, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, crashed through an access

Shawn Doolan

gate to the beach, clipped a toll booth which sent his vehicle flying, hitting Elizabeth Braly, killing her in front of her son and daughter-in-law.  It is believed that he was drunk. 

Shawn Doolan has been charged with DUI manslaughter.  He is out of jail on bond. 

Elizabeth was the mother of seven children and a grandmother. Family members describe her as a great mother who loved her kids more than anything. 

Mark Braly, Elizabeth's husband, is a man of faith.  He has stated that he feels sorry for the drunk driver and his family members who will have to live through this tragedy as well.  He asks for prayers for the Braly family and for Shawn Doolan and his family. 

This is a very generous response to this tragedy.  

Pray for Elizabeth
and for those
who have lost her

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.

Elizabeth's family members are devastated by her sudden and tragic death. She will be forever mourned.

Elizabeth is survived by many loving friends and relatives including her husband, Mark; and her seven children and grandchildren. 

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

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