TULSA, Okla. — It's been one year since a North Tulsa family lost their daughter in a drunk driving crash the night of Cinco de Mayo.
Areale Louis was driving through the intersection at Tisdale and Apache last year after a night of visiting with her family. She was 24-years-old, working to become a vet tech, and was six months pregnant.
Areale and her mother, Misty Thompson, were planning to visit a cousin's graduation party, but fell asleep after working all day.
"I just enjoyed it. I was like "you were resting so peacefully... I just wanted you to sleep, just rest." She said "no I'm going to get out and get dressed, I'm gonna go." I said "don't go, just stay. Don't go, just stay," Thompson said.
Louis left just after 12:30. Ten minutes later she was struck by a drunk driver coming off the highway.
Thompson said when police arrived at her door it took them several minutes to convince her that Areale was gone.
"That was the worst news of my life. I just don't believe a parent should ever have to bury their child. It's the worst pain ever," she said.
On Sunday friends and family gathered to release bubbles in her honor.
"I just hate that I won't get to see her be a mom. Mother's Day is next week and it's just sad. Just a lot of stuff that I thought I was going to see and have us grow up to be... it's just taken away from me I don't get that," sister Jaylyn Louis said.
They want those driving by to notice the memorial, and think of the dangers of drinking and driving.
"It's just a hard pill to swallow to have to accept the fact that I'm never ever going to see my baby again. And my grandbaby would be seven months by now. I would be enjoying my grandbaby by now," Thompson said.
On nights like Cinco de Mayo they ask people to use a ride share program or designated driver, and to think about the consequences of getting behind the wheel.
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