This sad story of a senior and his death still can lift the spirits
Posted by Michael Rollins, The Oregonian May 30, 2008 06:58AM
I'll put in the back of my mind to watch the Shrine East-West All-Star game this August. Especially after reading this story in the Madras Pioneer.
Hundreds gathered Sunday night at a candlelight vigil in Culver to celebrate the life and mourn the death of Matt Austin Zachary, 18, of Culver, who died in a tragic accident Friday evening in Bend.Zachary was found dead at 7:05 p.m. May 23, shortly after he left the scene of a traffic stop near the intersection of Jamison Road and Empire Avenue. The driver of the vehicle, his friend Blake James Anglen, 18, also of Culver, was cited by a Deschutes County Sheriff's Office deputy for driving under the influence of intoxicants.
Police speculated that Zachary tripped and fell after he ran from the vehicle, possibly hitting his head on a rock.
A few days prior to the accident, Matt Zachary Sr. spoke to his son about the temptations facing seniors during their last weeks of school -- particularly alcohol.
"He and I had had some talks about the cost of getting an MIP (minor in possession of alcohol)," Zachary said.
He reminded his son, who had been selected to play in the annual Shriners East-West All-Star Football Game, that there were 30 or 40 family members planning to go to Baker City in August to watch the younger Zachary play. An MIP would cause Shriners to drop a player from the team.
"We know why Matt chose to step out of the vehicle," he said. "It would have been the last thing he wanted -- to disappoint the family. I know in my heart that was why."
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