Family Takes Action After Relatives Are Killed by Drunk Driver

Family Takes Action After Relatives Are Killed by Drunk Driver

 

LINDSEY (KPTM)- 4-year-old Nolan Beller has no memories of his grandparents, Larry and Rita Beller. So, he relies on his dad, and five uncles to fill him in. "He knows them by pictures. Knows where they are - knows they're in heaven," said Nolan's dad, Dale Beller. 

On January 25, 2002, Larry and Rita were on vacation, driving through New Mexico with their closest friends, Bud and Alice Ramaekers, when Lloyd Larson, got into his truck, drove down the wrong side of the road, and hit the couples' car head on - killing all four inside. 

"I can remember the event, and it seems like it just happened. It's just something you don't ever forget," said Jerry Beller, Larry's brother. Larson's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit, and he was cited for his ninth DUI - prompting the Beller family to take action and call on state senators to pass a bill which would require all DUI offenders in Nebraska to have an ignition interlock device installed in their cars. 

"If they are drinking, and they chose to drive - they have to blow into this thing, which should be a good reminder that I choose to do that. If my vehicle doesn't start - it's my own fault," said Dale. After years of hard work, the bill became law, and went into effect January 1, 2009. 

"It's going to prevent you from hurting yourself, and others, and avoiding what we went through," said Larry. And on this cold, snowy day, seven years to the day they died, Larry and Rita's boys now know their parents death is a beacon for a greater cause. 

"Somebody is sending a message down from heaven. White's a beautiful color - it's a blessing they went to heaven that day," said Dale. The Bellers also helped pass an ignition interlock law in New Mexico where the crash happened. Larson, the man convicted of killing Larry and Rita, is currently serving twenty years in federal prison.

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