Michael Tufts - a victim of drunk driving in Missouri

Michael Tufts

Michael Tufts, age 25, died on August 23, 2014, at a hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

On December 6, 2012, Michael had been driving in Columbia with two friends, Michelle Morrow, age 24 and John Kalogeris, age 21. Michael was the "designated driver" for this friends that night.

Spencer Gordon, of Columbia, then age 20, crashed into Michael's vehicle.

Michelle Morrow was killed and both Michael Tufts and John Kalogeris were injured.

Michael was rushed in critical condition to a local hospital where he went into a coma.

Spencer Gordon and his passenger were unharmed. At the time of the accident

Spencer Gordon

Spencer Gordon was drunk. Spencer was subsequently found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of second degree assault. He has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Michael Tufts graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia.

Michael was a reserve police officer for the New Bloomfield Police Department. He had been with the department for just four months before the tragic accident.

Family members stated that Michael had always wanted to be a part of law enforcement.

Police comrades stated that Michael was eager to succeed at his job. He was uptempo, humorous, respectful and well-liked. He was happy to be a cop.

Michael's family are devastated by his tragic death. They are proud of the young man he was. He will be forever mourned.

The Tuft's family have very graciously stated that they don't hold a grudge against Spencer Gordon because he didn't intentionally cause this tragedy.

Advice 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.

Michael is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Patricia

Michael, Archangel, Patron Saint of the Police,
pray for Michael and for those who have lost him

Tufts; four sisters and one brother.

Pray for all who linger and who suffer.

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

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

Pray for Michelle Morrow and for those who weep for her.  Amen.