A DUI lesson still to teach

It's been eight years since an impaired driver killed 17-year-old Aric Wooley at a Wood Dale intersection.

But to those who loved the Schaumburg Eagle Scout, it feels just like yesterday.

To mark the solemn anniversary, his younger brother, Nick, returned to the crash site Monday to hand out 2,500 fliers encouraging motorists to think twice before driving impaired.

It's the third year the 22-year-old Elgin man has tried to raise awareness in honor of his brother and hero.

"I think about Aric every day," Nick Wooley said. "I miss him so much. He was not only my brother, but he was also my best friend.

"I know so many people drink and drive every day and I just want them to know how much bad can come of it."

Aric died June 16, 2000. His short life was marked with success. In fact, Aric never even had a cavity.

He made Eagle Scout at 12 after earning 100 merit badges in two years. He was a state swimming champion at 14.

One week before his death, he graduated from Conant High School in Hoffman Estates and was looking forward to starting college at Southern Illinois University on a full scholarship. Aric wanted to be a teacher and coach.

His mother, Norma, had planned a graduation party for that weekend.

Instead, two days before Father's Day, Aric was killed when a 75,000-pound rig struck his Camaro broadside while the teen was turning left from eastbound Thorndale Avenue onto Wood Dale Road. Both motorists tried to beat the red light.

Richard Gancarz, 51, of Bloomingdale was the truck driver with a 20-year history of traffic infractions. He's serving a 14-year prison term for reckless homicide, aggravated DUI of marijuana and driving with a suspended license. He refused to submit to a Breathalyzer at the scene. He is due to be paroled in 2014.

Nick Wooley returned to the intersection to share Aric's story with motorists with the hope of saving another life. His family, especially his stepmother, Charlie, is involved with the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists, which helped them after the tragedy.

Aric's father, Jerry Wooley, was sitting in a nearby car and witnessed his son's crash. He reached Aric's side in time to say, "Everything will be OK." Aric's blue eyes fluttered, then closed forever.

Despite the passage of time, authorities have never removed the large cross that holds Aric's high school graduation photo near the intersection. Both Nick and his father pass it several times a day on their way to work.

Flier excerpt

Editor's note: Excerpt from a flier 22-year-old Nick Wooley handed out Monday to motorists at the Wood Dale intersection where his brother, Aric, was killed eight years ago.

When Aric was taken from us so suddenly on June 16, 2000, the lives of his family were altered forever. One senseless act of carelessness and disregard for this young man's precious life has left a void that can never be filled.

My name is Nick Wooley. Aric was my brother. He has been gone for eight years today. This tragedy has been the worst thing that has ever happened to me and my family.

I think about Aric every day. I miss him so much. He was not only my brother but he also was my best friend. If you have ever had anyone taken from you, you know how I feel.

My friends and I are out here today because we want to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. We are hoping that you will read this and change your mind about drinking and driving.

I hope that you will today go forth and help me with my fight. Tell your family. Tell your friends, and tell your co-workers.

This is a very serious crime. The person who killed my brother is serving a 14-year sentence in a state penitentiary.

You may be able to save someone's life, maybe even your own. Do the right thing: Don't Drink And Drive. There are many alternatives than getting behind the wheel.