Dylan Thorne's death bringing message of hope, awareness four years later

Those who knew Dylan Thorne say he had a million dollar smile, and a huge heart.

 

"He had a zest for life," explains Dylan's mom, Liz, before the ride. "I don't know how. Everybody just seems to either know him, or the story." 

 

Here, in a parking lot filled with motorcycles, cars, and trucks, gathered in Iola Sunday morning, Liz says she's finding comfort in this sea of support. 

 

"Families, friends of Dylan's, our co-workers... knowing what we've gone through," says Thorne, looking into the crowd. "Some of the faces are faces that I don't even know." 

 

For Thorne, the message is clear: "you know, I don't want another family member to go through what we've gone through." 

 

Dylan was on his way to work four years ago, when a drunk driver crossed the center line, striking his vehicle head on.

 

"Well, I bought the bike about a month ago for the ride, because the accident happened in front of the house," says Crystal Zaeske, standing in front of a new Harley Davidson. "I was the first one on the scene, and he died holding my hand." 

 

July 19th, 2012 is a day Zaeske says she'll never forget. 

 

Today, she's thankful to see so many brave the rain for a ride in Dylan's name. She describes the Thornes as a "wonderful family that I only met through a horrible experience." 

 

The ride is also spreading the message of the tragic consequences of drunken driving. Dylan's mom Liz says, many of his friends have changed their drinking habits.

 

"They've changed themselves when they go out," says Thorne, "knowing that you don't need to have alcohol when you do go to the bar." 

 

It's the message that we're in control of our own actions, which should include stopping a friend from driving drunk," that she hopes rings clear.

 

"It's up to us whether or not we're going to be drinking and driving," says Thorne, "and some people need that extra boost."