Elijah Gonzales Memoriam

We lost you 3 years ago. On the evening of August 26, 2011 Elijah D. Gonzales died from injuries sustained in a car accident early that morning. Elijah was 25 years old, he had gone out for a night of fun that ended his life. He was the victim of a drunk driver who was also a friend and roommate.

The two went out for a night of drinking and socializing as they had done many times previously without any dire consequences. The thing that they failed to realize is that every time someone gets behind the wheel of a car intoxicated they are playing Russian roulette with their lives and the lives of others. In the blink of an eye Elijah went from a fun loving, outgoing, adventurous outdoors man with dreams of creative greatness to a box of ashes in the cemetery and his friend is sitting in the cell of a corrections facility.

Elijah had yet to marry, have children, own a home or create a legacy. He had barely begun his life and then it was over. Left behind are his mother, sister, two nieces and a nephew. Elijah's life ended quickly and it is doubtful that he saw it coming or suffered but those he left behind will suffer his loss for the rest of their lives.

Drinking and driving is an issue that is taken too lightly and many persons don't believe that this could actually happen to them but it can. Elijah is dead, his family suffers his loss daily and his death is something his friend will carry with him the rest of his life.

Please help the tragic death of Elijah Gonzales mean something - make the choice to prevent a tragedy like this from happening to you or someone you love - don't drink and drive and do all you can to prevent those in your life from drinking and driving.

We miss you every day

Elijah!

Love Mom & Sisi

Published by The Gazette on Aug. 26, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Elijah Gonzales

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I did not know your son, but I am grateful for your memorial message. To fight drunk driving it takes courage and families like you who have made a statement like this. I am so sorry for your loss.

Colleen Stiles

September 1, 2014

I didn't know Elijah, but your message was a poignant reminder to all of us. As a mother, I can only imagine the pain and horror of losing your son, especially in this way. Thank you for writing this for all of us; you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Margrave

September 1, 2014

Thank you for sending a powerful message and hopefully young and old will hear and take to heart your message. I never met Elijah or your family but I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and may God keep all of you in his care and comfort you at this time.

Carol Rice

August 28, 2014

So sorry for your lost. I had lost two of my brothers last year and I'm still grieving every time I think of them. We will always miss our brothers but at least now we know that they are already in heaven, watching over us.Take care Jess

Dina Ball

August 26, 2014

Everyday I drive by the memorial site on my way to work and I say I prayer for you and your family. Because of your story, I continue to educate my children about drinking and driving and choices. Thank you for sharing your story. I will continue yo keep you all in my prayers.

August 26, 2014

Thinking of you guys. Love you.

Gray's

August 26, 2014

Patty and Jessica thinking of you both today. Love you both.

Gray's

August 26, 2014

Lighting a candle in rememberance of Elijah D. Gonzales.

Bj Pewitt

August 26, 2014

Cash, I know you and your family suffer everyday with Elijah's loss. Elijah is a very handsome young man flying high over the Colorado Mountains watching over you all. You are an amazing woman and I only wish I could have met him. From all you have told me, his fun loving adventures allowed him to really enjoy life...

Bj Pewitt

August 26, 2014

We still remember that tragic day when you lost your son and our kids lost a brother and a friend. Please know that even though Eli is missing college graduations, weddings and babies that go on in our lives, we are all missing HIM and praying that your family finds peace. May God continue to bless you. With love always,

The Marafine Family... Chris, Amy and Leslie

August 26, 2014

How heartbreaking is your loss of Elijah. I am so sorry. Though we have never met, your writing about the dangers and heartache of drunk driving in the midst of your pain is selfless and brave. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Walk with God as Elijah rests in the arms of the Savior. <3

Marletta Hudgins

August 26, 2014

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