Courtesy Stephany and Gerardo Garza were married almost a month when Gerardo was killed in a drunken driving accident.

Sometimes one disaster can lead to true heartbreak.

In the June 27 edition, 210SA told readers about newlyweds Stephany and Gerardo Garza, whose wedding reception ended unfortunately.

Rain spoiled the outdoors event at La Villita. The DJ quit the gig early. And the couple spent their wedding night on the twin-sized bed of a friend's young son.

After seeing the story, Café Paladar offered them a do-over, a free reception to help their marriage begin in style.

But that reception day will never come. Gerardo, 25, was killed in a one-car wreck on June 15. The driver of the Cadillac, Tony Cedillo Jr., has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, as reported in the San Antonio Express-News. The car swerved off Gembler Road and crashed into a utility pole. According to the police report, Cedillo was quoted as saying he'd consumed three 24-ounce beers.

A family member said Cedillo was Gerardo's cousin and best man. Gerardo, a passenger in the car, died at the scene, one day shy of his one-month wedding anniversary.

Similar stories played out for 74 Bexar County families in 2006, according to preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Now, the Garzas have been added to the list of those tragically affected by drunken driving.

Amanda Manzo, Stephany's cousin as well as a long-time friend of Gerardo, remembered his sense of humor best.

“When they were at the altar, he was making jokes; it was just so funny,” Manzo said. “He was always the jokester, the life of the party.”

Gerardo is survived not only by his new wife but the couple's 4-year-old and 6-year-old sons. Gerardo had lost his job at West Telemarketing after the wedding and did not have life insurance, Manzo said.

The family is seeking donations to pay for Gerardo's funeral and burial expenses and has turned to Mothers Against Drunk Driving for assistance, Manzo said.

“Unfortunately, drunk driving crashes are devastating for everyone involved,” said Jennifer Northway, executive director of MADD's South Texas Affiliate. “Alcohol-related crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury in Bexar County.”

MADD's local office provides emotional support, courtroom advocacy and assistance finding financial resources for those affected by drunken driving.

“We want to save lives and help people by helping them understand the devastation and the consequences that occur from driving drunk,” Northway said. “It's something that so many people almost absent-mindedly do.”

DRUNK DRIVING FACTS

Of the 3,504 traffic fatalities in Texas in 2005, 45 percent were alcohol-related.

There are about 1.4 million drunken-driving arrests each year.

In the U.S., about three in 10 people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash.

Beer is the No. 1 culprit in cases of drunken driving, underage drinking, heavy drinking and binge drinking.

On average, the human body metabolizes one drink per hour.

What's one drink? Beer = 12 ounces. Wine = 5 ounces. Distilled spirits (72-proof) = 1.5 ounces.

It's a myth: Coffee, cold showers and exercise will not sober you up. Only time will do the trick.

Source: Mothers Against Drunk Driving

ALTERNATIVES

Pick a designated driver before you head out to drink.

Call a friend or family member to pick you up.

If you're drinking at someone's house, ask to stay the night.

Take advantage of Via's Downtown Lineup bus service, which leaves at 10:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. from the downtown area. Fare is $1.

Via also offers Starlight Service, which shuttles people inside Loop 410 and the Medical Center area from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. The fare is $5.50.

Call a cab. Local rates range from $1.70 to $1.90 for pickup and $2 per mile.

Jennifer Lloyd | 210SA