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Sandra Yi ReportingThree young children, including a newborn, are left without a father. He was killed in a crash over the weekend. Police say he was hit by a man under the influence of prescription drugs.
This is a devastating loss for the family of Nathan Barlow. But family members say there are two important lessons we can all learn from this tragedy: to always buckle up and never drive impaired.
Barlow's cousin, Lydon Allred, said, "It's going to affect thousands of lives for many years, and unfortunately this happens every day in this country, and it makes me sick. I wish people would think about it. They may make it home once or twice, but all it takes is one time."
Lydon Allred was one of the last people to see Nathan Barlow before he was killed in that crash early Saturday morning. He says they joked around before leaving the loading dock of a distributing company to deliver bread. He says Barlow was not only his cousin but a good friend as well. Allred said, "He was incredibly funny. He was always a fun guy to hang around with ... never had a dull moment with Nate."
Barlow's brother, Israel Barlow, said, "He loved his kids. He was totally devoted to his kids, such a good dad."
Police say Daniel Long was under the influence of prescription drugs, possibly sleeping pills and painkillers, when he rear-ended the victim's bread truck. The crash forced the truck off the road.
Barlow, who was not wearing his seat belt, was ejected. He died at the scene. Witnesses say Long was speeding.
He was booked into jail for DUI and automobile homicide.
Family members say they're angry at Long, but they want to forgive him.
Barlow's funeral will be on Wednesday morning.
A memorial fund has been set up at any Wells Fargo bank. Any donations can be made to the Nathan Barlow memorial fund.
