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Amanda Butterfield Reporting Doug Goodall married Jennifer Ann Bennett, the love of his life, last weekend--two days before Christmas. But their wedding night was their last night together.
Doug Goodall, Groom: "And then I woke up in the morning, and she didn't." His bride died in her sleep the morning before Christmas.
Jennifer had battled with drugs, even served time in prison, but she had turned her life around and was now starting a new one. But, that didn't last long. It was a peaceful ending to a life of struggle.
Doug Goodall: "I'm so grateful that she left on the happiest day of her life."
The marriage was a new beginning for their two families. Finally, Jennifer Ann Bennett had it all.
Doug Goodall: "We used to joke with each other about finally finding our happily every after, and she had hers, even though it was so short lived."
The two went to sleep happy and in love, but Christmas Eve morning Jennifer didn't wake up.
Doug Goodall: "We called paramedics, they came, did what they could, but there was nothing to be done. They did autopsy and checked everything they could and couldn't find anything."
It was a peaceful ending to a not so peaceful life. At 12 years old Jennifer started using drugs, and it only got worse.
Doug Goodall: "She used everything that you could think of, and used incredible amounts of everything, every day."
She even served time on drug related charges and had her youngest son, Braden, in prison. But when she got out, she stayed clean, had a job, was working on getting custody of her two kids and was starting school in January.
She also worked with Utah's First lady, Mary Kaye Huntsman in 'The Power of You' program -- telling her story in hopes of teaching teens to avoid her same mistakes.
Doug Goodall: "She loved it; she was vibrant and had such a connection with these kids."
Doug says Jennifer wanted people to learn from her life, and she loved unconditionally. That's what Doug learned from her.
Doug Goodall: "She taught me how to love. She taught me so much about love.
Now he wears two wedding rings. He'll never take hers off.
Jennifer's viewing is tonight. The governor and first lady have told Doug they will pay their respects.
The Medical Examiner's office is doing further testing to find the cause of death. Results won't be back for about 12 weeks.
