Groom Killed on Wedding Day; Died on His Way to the Church

A Drunken Driver Claimed the Lives of a Groom, His Half-Brother, and His Best Man on Way to Wedding

Ryan Christopher DeVault
The sad story out of Council, North Carolina, is that a groom died on the way to his wedding. Brandon Tedder was on the way to his wedding, which was to be held in less than an hour's time, when the car he was in was hit by a drunk driver. The accident killed Brandon, his half-brother Daniel Sykes and his best man Brandon Mints instantly. What was supposed to be a happy day for the whole family, turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye, leaving bride-to-be Angel Bonham and two families changed forever because of negligent driving

The details of the accident are still being pieced together for a criminal investigation, but the ones that have been released are hear-breaking. While the three men were driving on Highway 214 between Lake Waccamaw and Hallsboro, their Honda Prelude was struck head on by another vehicle. The other vehicle was a Chrysler Sebring convertible, being driven by John Daniel Kelley, who veered across the center line before smashing into the Prelude and killing all of its occupants. According to police at the scene, several empty containers of alcoholic drinks were found in Kelly's car.

John Kelley has already been charged with driving while impaired after his blood sample was taken for analysis. The state district attorney is reviewing the case to determine if more serious charges are going to be filed, but nothing is going to bring back the three men that were lost in such a senseless accident. It was also released that Kelley was driving with his 17-year-old son in the car, and that he was not seriously hurt in the accident. John Kelley on the other hand, was being listed as in serious condition at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for the time being.

This is such a tragic news story, as it was supposed to be a day of joy for everyone involved in the wedding, and that all came to an end in a matter of seconds. The rollercoaster of emotions for Angel Bonham must have been hard to bear as well, as at first everyone just thought that the groom was late, and then some started saying that he might have cold feet. When the news finally made it to the wedding site, it had to be a crushing blow for everyone in attendance, and easily the worst news that Angel has ever had to deal with.

This story won't end until the criminal proceedings are completed, but Angel was quoted as trying to keep her heart free of hate. That statement that she gave to a local news station was, "I'm angry, but I can't hate him. That's not the Christian thing to do, and that's not what Brandon would want. Yeah, Brandon would be mad as fire, but I can't let that man hinder my spirituality. And I can't let that man keep me out of heaven."

Source: Raleigh News Coverage

Published by Ryan Christopher DeVault - Featured Contributor in Sports

Born in Seattle, Washington, I am a 31 year old college graduate working in the field of Education and Research. I am also a professional freelance writer and news content provider. I can be reached at...   View profile

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  • J. Angel 6/7/2010

    I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. I just recently lost my only brother Daniel who was struck and killed by a car. I know the pain of losing a loved one feels like. Something needs to be done to these inresponsible people that take the wheel and drive under the influence of alcohol. Very negligent on this man's part. I hope he pays for what he has done to this family and his own. My sincere condolences go out to everyone involved.

  • Michael Hollingsworth 5/2/2010

    I maintain a 2nd home at Lake Waccamaw and was "just round the corner" when this senseless and needless crash occurred. I pass the accident spot most every and viewing the memorials placed on the side of the road, I get sick to my stomach all over again. What a sad, sad day. What a sad situation that a drunk has to take away these innocent lives. Thank you for writing this article. I thought about writing about it myself, but just couldn't bring myself to do it. I wonder what happened to the drunken drivers? God bless the family and friends of the victims!

  • David Dierking 4/23/2009

    What a sad story.

  • Cathy Hendricks 4/23/2009

    This is exactly why there needs to be tougher laws on drunk drivers. They hardly EVER kill themselves in accidents, it's always someone else who gets hurt. I work in the insurance industry and I see if all the time. People being injured or killed by drunk drivers and most of the time, they have more than one on their record when this happens? Why are they still allowed behind the wheel. There needs to be some kind of solution. The family of these people will forever be affected by the actions of a man who probably doesn't even remember what he did. Yes, How Tragic! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the men killed.

  • Julia Bodeeb 4/22/2009

    How tragic.

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