A toxicology report showed there were no drugs or alcohol in her system.
Maddie had danced the night away at prom before attending her school’s after prom event, which aims to keep kids from drinking, and doing other illegal or potentially harmful activities.
But the drive home meant the difference between life and death for this beautiful high school cheerleader.
The Sangamon County Chief Deputy Coroner, Jim Allmon, who also happens to be Maddie’s step-father, reminds parents that driving tired is a major threat to our teens.
“It’s extremely important for parents to realize that it’s not just the drinking and driving they need to be concerned about,” Jim Allmon said.
“This is the best night of their lives before they leave for their life, you know their big careers,” Courtney added. “Be that parent that picks them up and says let’s go home and go to bed.”
The couple believes making that decision as a parent could have saved Maddie’s life. Now they’re urging other parents to be firm in their safety precautions as prom rolls around—even if it means embarrassing your teenager.
“I don’t care if it’s not cool,” Jim said. “I don’t care if your friends are there and they see me pick you up. We are going to pick you up. We are going to drive you home. We are going to get you home safe. And we are going to have you for another day.”
