On April 9, 2009, just after midnight, Nick Adenhart, Jon Wilhite, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson were involved in a DUI traffic collision that cost Nick, Courtney, and Henry their lives and seriously injured Jon, who suffered internal decapitation but survived.
The collision occurred in the intersection of Lemon St and Orangehtope Ave., just hours after Adenhart, a Pitcher for the Angels, had made his season debut with the team. Their vehicle was broadsided by a DUI driver who then fled the scene of the collision.
The DUI driver, Andrew Gallo, a construction worker who had a previous DUI conviction, was sentenced to 51 years to life in prison for his involvement in the collision.
In honor of Nick, Courtney, and Henry, the Fullerton Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint tonight, April 11. These collisions are a stark reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.
The goal of a DUI checkpoint is to prevent, deter, and educate the public on the dangers of drinking and driving. Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
