Friend Of Man Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver: 'My Best Friend Is Gone In An Instant'
GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - Friends and family gathered Sunday in Golden to celebrate the life of a man who was killed by a suspected drunk driver.
Tom Flanagan, 38, was riding his bike down Lookout Mountain when the driver hit him head on.
Investigators say the suspected drunk driver, Zachary Strnad, 20, was trying to go around another car in a no-passing zone on a curve when he slammed into Tom Flanagan.
"My closest and best friend is gone in an instant," friend Jeff Chopin said.
"We love you from the bottom of our broken hearts," said Kevin Flanagan, Tom Flanagan's uncle.
A flower memorial marks the spot where Tom Flanagan was hit and killed.
"Tom's life was important, still is important, and always will be important," said Nathan Johnson, Tom Flanagan's brother-in-law.
National Park Service coworker Mark Husbands knew Tom Flanagan not only as a colleague, but also as a friend.
"The hardest part for me, really, is just thinking about his son and what his son and his wife have lost," Husbands said.
"When we all heard the news I think everybody had the same reaction -- that it was just devastating and really sad," former student Dan Young said.
Former students who knew Tom as Mr. Flanagan say he had a profound impact on their lives.
"He was always fun-loving -- always, so excited, and so passionate," former student Lisa Daly said.
"He was always there, even if you just wanted to talk to him about nothing," former student Kevin Ryan said.
Loved ones are left trying to see the light shine through a tragedy.
"I plan on living my life more like Tom -- more in the moment, more full of vigor, and always with a smile on my face," Chopin said.
Family members say they're amazed by the outpouring of love and support they've received since his death.
Flanagan leaves behind a wife, Carrie, and 7-year-old son, Owen. To make a donation to his family to help with mounting debt, visit Tom Flanagan's GoFundMe page.
