A tragic incident occurred early Sunday morning in Indianapolis, when a mother of three, Simone Prior, lost her life in a fatal car crash. The crash, which took place near 10th and Post on the city’s East Side, involved a single vehicle and has left the community in mourning. The victim’s family is grappling with the loss of a beloved mother, while the suspect, identified as Garrett Henderson Junior, is facing charges of reckless homicide and driving under the influence.
Details of the Crash and Victim’s Family Reaction
The crash occurred just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, when Garrett Henderson, 26, allegedly swerved off the road, causing the vehicle to crash into a concrete culvert. The force of the crash caused the car to flip over and strike a power pole. Simone Prior, 25, was ejected from the vehicle and was killed at the scene. The crash only involved one vehicle, with no other cars or people affected. Following the collision, Henderson was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drunk driving and reckless homicide. Police noted that Henderson exhibited signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol.
Simone Prior’s family has expressed deep sorrow over the loss, particularly the impact on her three young children, who are now left to grow up without their mother. Her sister, Kayla, shared the emotional pain of the family, describing the grief as unbearable, comparing it to the suffocating feeling of not being able to breathe. Despite their devastation, the family has called for responsible driving and hopes that the incident serves as a reminder to others about the dangers of drunk driving.
The Suspect’s Arrest and Investigation
Garrett Henderson, who had been driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, admitted to consuming a few drinks before the incident. Law enforcement officers noted that his eyes appeared bloodshot, and his speech was slurred. Police performed a breathalyzer test, which confirmed that he was intoxicated. Henderson’s actions, including losing control of the vehicle and the subsequent crash, led to the death of his girlfriend, Simone Prior.
The police report also indicated that Henderson’s erratic driving behavior included swerving off the road before crashing into the concrete culvert. The impact caused the vehicle to flip over, knocking out a power pole and ejecting Prior from the car. Her death has raised awareness of the dangers of impaired driving, with both her family and local law enforcement urging the community to take greater responsibility behind the wheel.
Henderson has been charged with reckless homicide, and he is being held on a $20,000 cash bond while awaiting formal charges. His case has drawn attention to the ongoing problem of drunk driving, which continues to claim the lives of many across the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 13,000 people die each year in alcohol-related crashes.
Family’s Call for Sobriety and Responsibility
In the aftermath of the crash, Simone Prior’s family has expressed no ill will towards the suspect. While they mourn their loss, they hope that the incident serves as a cautionary tale for others, encouraging responsible behavior on the road. They emphasized the importance of sober driving and urged the community to consider alternatives, such as rideshare services, public transportation, or a designated driver, to prevent similar tragedies.
The family’s message was clear: while the loss of Simone Prior can never be undone, they hope that this tragedy can lead to positive changes in how people approach drinking and driving. They also hope that their loved one’s death will spark reflection in others about the responsibility that comes with driving a vehicle.
Community’s Reaction and Efforts for Change
As the investigation continues, local police and the victim’s family hope that the case will serve as a reminder to the broader community about the dangers of impaired driving. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has urged people to plan ahead when going out, stressing the importance of using rideshare services, public transportation, or a designated driver to avoid drunk driving accidents. The fatal crash has brought attention to the preventable nature of drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities.
Candles and flowers have been placed at the scene of the crash in memory of Simone Prior, who was described as a positive and caring individual who always encouraged those around her to look on the bright side of life. Her family has chosen to honor her memory by urging everyone to drive sober and be cautious behind the wheel, hoping that others will learn from their loss.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. As the legal process moves forward, the family of Simone Prior continues to mourn, while also advocating for responsible driving and changes in behavior that can prevent further tragedies.
