Couple Raises Money For Local College In Memory Of Daughter Killed By Texting Driver
BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) -- When a Harford County couple lost their daughter to a car crash caused by a truck driver who was texting, it soon spurred them to seek changes in our laws.
Mike Schuh reports the couple is turning their considerable skills to help a college once loved by their daughter.
Heather Hurd died 5 years ago. Her crash in Florida changed the law in Maryland. It was a change brought about, in part, by her parents, Kim and Russ.
"We need to change this, we need to let people know this is not the way to go," Kim Hurd said.
The truck driver was distracted. He was texting and never saw the line of cars stopped at a light.
"No one should have to lose their life because someone was texting," said Kim Hurd.
They threw their hearts into getting everyone to take the dangers of texting and driving seriously. They want her story to change laws.
"There's probably two or three this morning killed because of someone's distraction behind the wheel of a car," said Kim Hurd.
Heather graduated with a history degree from Harford County Community College.
"Heather loved Harford Community College, so we wanted to give back to the college and the community, too," said Russ Hurd.
The Hurds will forever be advocates against distracted driving.
"We don't want your pity, we don't want you to feel sorry for us, we want you to change your practices," said Kim Hurd.
They have directed some of their focus to the Heather Hurd Fun Run. The money will directly help some of the students at Harford County Community College.
"We raise money for books, fees and scholarships," said Russ Hurd.
About $47,000 has been given away so far. The money will pay for books and fees in remembrance of people who have been killed on the highways.
"So we thought it's a way to give back, help the students honor our Heather and bring awareness to what can happen," said Kim Hurd.
The cost to enter the Heather Hurd Fun Run is $20. Click here to register.
