A drunk driver killed this woman’s family, now her Facebook warning is going viral



TROY, Missouri -- What do you say one year after a drunk driver kills your husband and your 15-month old son?

Finding herself in just such an unthinkable place, one Missouri woman poured out her heart in an emotional plea posted to her Facebook page Sunday.

Destiny Mantia’s social media message begins “a year ago today was like many other days” and had been shared more than 16-thousand times by Monday morning.

KTVI-TV in St. Louis reported that a drunk driver slammed into the family minivan September 20th 2014 near Troy Missouri. Mantia’s son Parker was killed, while she and her husband were airlifted to a regional hospital for treatment. The young woman’s husband died from his injuries at the hospital.

The drunk driver, who crossed the center line that fateful day, died at the scene.

Mantia herself says she didn’t suffer any long term physical injuries. But she says she will never be mentally or emotionally the same.

“One selfish decision to drink and drive caused me to be a widow and a mom to an angel at the age of 21,” wrote Mantia. “She has caused many nightmares with the news of various reports being released such as an autopsy of my baby being sent to me or many reconstruction pictures. Many things a 21 year old should never have to see or imagine. She ended any dreams that we may have had together and caused pain I never knew existed.”

Mantia’s Facebook post included a photo of her family, scenes from the crash and two stark photos showing the grave markers where he son was laid to rest.



The young woman’s heartbreaking post ends with a simple and stark plea to others.

“You can save someone's life too! Don't allow your friends and family drink and drive. Don't share DUI checkpoints. Be an advocate! Stand up with me! Let's stop this. One is too many. DONT DRINK AND DRIVE!”

Read Mantia’s full Facebook post below: