Rook Family Update: Bernal Trial

[JeffreyB]

Hello,

It's hard to believe it's been over a year now... As many of you know, I lost my drummer and best friend Jimmy Rook last year when he and his wife Margie were killed by a drunk driver. They were only minutes away from their vacation destination (one of Mango's condos) in Destin Florida when Jesus Bernal crossed the center line and struck their vehicle head-on. Their daughter and her best friend were injured as well. Bernal was found to be DUI and was also not in the country legally. A passenger in his truck was also killed. Three lives taken in the blink of an eye by something as stupid as drunk driving. His trial started and ended today. There was a plea deal that everyone agreed to including the families of Jimmy and Margie. Bernal will get between 38-55 years and will be a very old man before he is eligible for parole. We hope and pray that this will help bring some closure for the family.

Jimmy and Margie, may you now rest in peace...

Jeff Butler - The Fast Forward Band
http://www.thefastforwardband.com


Here's the article:
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/9081/

 

[CPort]

so very sad

 

[Lady D]

Such a sad story. And of course, even though the guy is here illegally they cannot deport him because of what he has caused. I am sure he would love nothing better. I am wondering though, can you give an update on how the Rook children are, especially the daughter. I know this hasn't been easy on either of them but I am sure it is hard on her being only 15 now.

 

[JeffreyB]

Chris and Kylie are doing well under the circumstances. Chris still has his band Langus (it's always been about the music, just like his Dad). They are releasing a new CD in December. Check out their music at http://www.myspace.com/langus . He also just started his own lawncare business.

Kylie moved in with her Aunt (Jimmy's sister) and Uncle right after the accident. They painted her room, hung her posters and made her feel right at home. They only live a few blocks from Jimmy and Margie's so she got to attend the same school and was still close to the friends on her street she grew up with. She has such a close network of relatives, basically one big family made up of Jimmy and Margie's relatives.

Magan, Kylie's friend who was in the van was in critical condition for some time after the accident. After several surgeries including hip replacment, and physical therapy she is back at school.

Thanks to you all for your concern.

Jeff Butler

The Fast Forward Band (Jimmy's Band)
http://www.thefastforwardband.com

 

[Lady D]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like things are good for Kylie, it's good she is able to still go to school where she was going, and still live close to her friends, and has such a big close network of relatives to be there for her. That helps. Glad things are going well for her brother also. I know its hard but you have to move forward. I am sorry Kylie's friend had to go through so much injury wise but am glad she was finally able to get back to school. Thanks again.

 

[Mango]

Jeffrey, thanking for taking the time to post this. Since my internet service company changed hands, I was unable to receive your updates. I hope you know that the SoWal community indeed cares very much so.

Although the fact that 2 wonderful people who were parents and also so obviously loved by their friends and community are no longer here, at least some justice has prevailed with respect to the driver Bernal.

I am relieved to see Chris and Kylie doing well, but I didn't have any doubts. Chris seemed like such a well rounded young man and both were undeniably embraced by some wonderful people.

I know you and your band will never be the same, and I hope for the family and friends/extended family like yourself, this prosecution brings some semblence of peace.

 

[Paula]

Thank you for the update. I hope the many years in prison for the drunk driver sends a strong message to others. I hope the local papers print a story about the sentence so that the word gets out about the long prison term -- perhaps that will save a few lives.

 

[JeffreyB]

Here's a link to the local coverage. Our local Fox affiliate did a nice piece.

Jeff

http://www.thefastforwardband.com/BernalTrial.wmv

 

[TooFarTampa]

Jeff, sincere thanks for the update. I honestly think of Jimmy and Margie and their kids often. I think it's one of those stories I will never forget. Not only was it senseless and tragic, but I was touched by the love that so many people had for them.

I'm glad to hear the good news about Magan also. Thanks for coming by to post this.

 

[seacrestkristi]

So sorry about your friends, ya'll. They look like really people.