Widow Forgives Driver In Husband's Fatal Crash

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By By Tracy Vedder

Summary

Heidi Coffee doesn't want to see the driver of a truck that allegedly lost its load, causing a crash that killed her husband Gavin last Friday on I-5 in Shoreline, go to jail.

Story Published: Aug 23, 2006 at 3:55 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 8:36 AM PDT

Widow Forgives Driver In Husband's Fatal Crash
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE - She lost her husband, and her children lost their father in a tragic accident last Friday on I-5.

But her message is simple, and it's a remarkable story of grace and forgiveness.

Gavin Coffee died in a crash caused when metal shelves flew off a pickup truck. But his widow says she and her husband would have nothing but compassion for the man driving that truck.

"He certainly wouldn't want our family to carry around a grudge or being angry," Heidi Coffee said.

Last Friday, Heidi Coffee's life changed beyond recognition. Metal shelving fell from the back of Brian Campbell's pickup truck on I-5 near Shoreline. Gavin Coffee swerved to avoid the debris and was hit and killed by another car.

Gavin Coffee was on his way to see his sons play soccer.

"He loved his family a lot," says Heidi Coffee. She says her husband's life revolved around his family and their church.

They have four children, and a baby boy due in December.

"He did whatever it took to be a good man, a good leader, a good father," she said.

Police are investigating the crash, and Campbell could be charged for allegedly driving with an unsecured load. Penalties could range up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

But Heidi says her family is only thinking of forgiveness.

"In some ways, there's not really anything to forgive because he didn't mean to," she said. "He (the driver) was helping his grandfather out; it was an accident."

In a strange coincidence, Campbell belongs to the same church where Coffee's memorial service will be held. Heidi has invited Campbell to the service and says she would welcome him.

"I'd give him a hug because, you know, he's grieving in another way and I know how it feels to grieve."

Heidi adds she doesn't want to see Campbell go to jail for what happened and she stressed, several times, "it was an accident."

Coffee's memorial service is this Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Calvary Fellowship church in Mountlake Terrace. The public is invited.

The Coffee family adds it is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love they have received from the community.

A memorial fund has been established in Gavin Coffee's name at the Boeing Employees Credit Union