Dateline Dayton — Last Sunday afternoon, there was a horrible accident on Interstate 75, in downtown Dayton.  A wrong-way car ran into a gasoline tanker truck, killing the driver.  The explosion damaged numerous nearby cars and closed the interstate.

Thanks to state-owned cameras, there is a clear picture  of the car going in the wrong direction, the impact and explosion.

The driver had ample opportunities to correct his error, if indeed it was an error.  The tanker driver, who escaped with a broken bone, attempted to avoid the collision. He was able to warn other drivers to get out of the way.

The driver of the death car previously had his license suspended in an alcohol-related case. From the video and witnesses, he appeared to want to hit the tanker.

When the driver of the tanker tried to avoid him, the driver of the death car swerved, apparently to make sure he struck the truck.

From appearances, the driver was out to commit suicide.

Fortunately, he was the only one to die.

I have only known one person, who took his life. He did it at lunch time, in his office, with a gun, making sure no one was in either of the offices next to his.  I have known many who have died using drugs and alcohol.

It will be weeks before we will know if drugs or alcohol played a role in this tragedy.

I am disappointed the dead driver’s family has not spoken. They owe the community an apology for his actions, intentional or not.

Sporting Observation

When the National Football League held its player draft last week, one draftee had been arrested for punching a girl in the face.  I do believe in second chances. But this is it.

Major league sports must come to the realization that players are looked up to as role models.  Take the player who would not stand for the National Anthem last September. Then high school students started copying him.

Coaches and owners must wake up and get rid of such players who don’t set the example they should.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net