A grieving Brockport mother is sharing the tragic story of her daughter’s death in hopes of preventing another family from enduring the same unimaginable loss. This Thanksgiving Eve marks another painful reminder of the night 20-year-old Lindsay Kyle was killed by an impaired driver—an event that changed her family’s life forever.
Authorities and organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have long warned that the night before Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for alcohol-related crashes. Lindsay’s family is now using her story to reinforce the urgency of those warnings.
Lindsay, remembered as vibrant, loving, and full of potential, died when a drunk driver slammed into her vehicle. Her mother continues to speak publicly about the devastation caused by that choice, hoping that her daughter’s memory will save others.
According to Lindsay’s mother, the crash that killed her daughter occurred after a night of celebration—as so many Thanksgiving Eve tragedies do. It is a night commonly referred to as “Blackout Wednesday,” when bars across the country experience a surge in alcohol consumption.
Police reports showed that the driver who hit Lindsay had a blood alcohol content well above the legal limit. The crash was violent, sudden, and avoidable—three facts that continue to haunt her family.
Her mother described receiving the news no parent should ever hear. The pain of losing Lindsay, she said, never goes away. Her daughter’s empty room, the milestones she will never reach, and the family events where her absence is felt deeply are constant reminders of what drunk driving takes from the world.
Lindsay's family has since worked closely with MADD to advocate for stronger drunk driving prevention efforts and more community education, especially around holiday weekends.
Local law enforcement agencies warn that Thanksgiving Eve sees a significant spike in alcohol-related crashes. Bars promote holiday gatherings, college students return home, and families celebrate early—creating conditions where impaired driving tragically increases.
Officials emphasized that Lindsay’s story is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing annual pattern. Police departments across New York have increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and public awareness campaigns in anticipation of the holiday rush.
In addition to law enforcement efforts, MADD continues pressing for:
Expanded ignition interlock requirements
Increased public education
Stronger penalties for repeat offenders
Community partnerships to provide safe ride programs
Lindsay’s mother regularly participates in MADD events, telling her daughter’s story to remind the community that drunk driving deaths are not accidents—they are choices.
Lindsay’s loss rippled far beyond her family. Friends, classmates, and Brockport residents have all expressed the ongoing sorrow of losing such a promising young woman.
Her mother said Lindsay had dreams, ambitions, and a future she never had the chance to pursue. She hopes that by telling Lindsay’s story, others will think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking—or allowing a friend to do so.
This year, she urges everyone to plan ahead:
Choose a designated driver
Use rideshare services
Stay overnight if drinking
Step in when someone is impaired
Her message is simple: “If Lindsay’s story can save even one life, then sharing it is worth the pain.”
Drunk driving crashes leave families devastated emotionally, financially, and psychologically. At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, our attorneys fight for victims and families impacted by reckless or impaired drivers.
We help survivors and families pursue civil justice through claims involving:
Drunk driving fatalities
Serious injury crashes
Negligent establishments that over-served alcohol
Hit-and-run or high-speed DUI collisions
Even when criminal charges are filed, families may still have the right to hold negligent parties financially accountable.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a drunk-driving crash, contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney for guidance and support. Our team is committed to seeking justice and helping families rebuild after tragedy.
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