She survived being hit by a drunk driver, but her fellow cyclist didn't: 'His decisions affected my life'
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It’s been nearly one year since Natalie Rainer’s life was changed forever. In August 2022, an impaired driver struck Rainer and a friend as they rode their bikes along Osborne Turnpike.
The crash critically injured Rainer and claimed the life of her riding partner, 49-year-old Jonah Holland.
“Everybody loved Jonah,” Rainer said. “She was the type of person who would bend over backwards to help you if you needed it.”
On Monday, 19-year-old Jeffrey Crawford Brooks pleaded guilty to three felony charges related to the crash, including aggravated involuntary manslaughter, maiming with DWI and driving under the influence.
Prosecutors said Brooks had alcohol and THC in his system at the time of the crash.
Rainer, who was not in the courtroom on Monday, said Brooks's guilty plea is a big step in the healing process, and one that she hopes will educate others about bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
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