Memorial Sign Erected for Dallas “Bubba” Downs

On Friday, March 29, 2019, a group of friends and family gathered on Main Street in Erin, Tennessee, near the Erin Church of the Nazarene at the site where 19-year-old Dallas “Bubba” Downs was killed in an impaired driving crash on April 7, 2018.  They were there to witness the unveiling of a State Memorial Sign in Dallas’ memory.  The event began with Dallas’ mother, Michelle Schmidt, handing out blue balloons to everyone in attendance.  Then, as friends and family gathered on the sidewalk, Dallas’ parents and siblings gathered by his sign as MADD Victim Services Specialist, Kara Lonsway, opened the ceremony.  Next, Michelle said a few words to thank everyone for being there and who had a part in the sign’s installation. She talked about what the sign meant to her and her family and how it would serve as a reminder not to drive drunk or drugged or get in the car with someone who is impaired.

Finally, after the Tennessee Department of Transportation officially unveiled the roadside memorial, the group conducted a balloon release in Dallas’ honor.

Click here for the Facebook Live broadcast of the event.