At a town hall meeting Wednesday night, a diverse panel discussed how to confront the high risk drinking behaviors prevalent among many young adults in Athens.

Chris Sandy, with Safe Campuses Now, and Erin English, the alcohol and other drug prevention coordinator for the University Health Center, led the discussion.

Sandy shared a personal story highlighting the negative consequences driving drunk had on his life to the diverse audience, composed of people of many different ages and backgrounds.

Sandy told the audience that after four mixed drinks, he got behind the wheel to drive to another party. He said he was speeding, and when he attempted to pass another vehicle, hit a car attempting to make a left turn.

Sandy said what he remembers most clearly after regaining consciousness was a police officer saying, “there’s been a fatality on the scene.”

An elderly couple was killed in the accident.

“I will never forget for the rest of my life,” Sandy said. “I killed two wonderful people.”

Sandy has been in jail since 2001. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison and 17 years of probation for vehicular homicide.

Sandy speaks about his experience to show people “exactly how hard it is living with this choice … I wish it was me that died that night.”

“This choice I made – it ripped my family apart,” he said. “I share my story to help people make better choices.”

English gave a brief PowerPoint presentation titled “Risks Associated with Underage Drinking.”

According to the slides, the average person has their first drink before age 13, and those who drink before 15 are four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol.

Underage drinking is responsible for $22 million in alcohol sales and is accountable for $53 billion per year in associated problems.

The panel members, including both professionals and students, gave brief statements on their experiences with underage drinking in Athens and were available for audience questions.

Professional panel members included Assistant Chief Alan Brown of the Athens-Clarke County Police, Judge Kay Giese of the ACC Municipal Court and Heidi Nibbelink, counselor at Clarke Central High School.

Student members were Jeff Green, a student from Classic City High School, Briana Jewett, a University student, and Amanda Smith, the student director of Safe Campuses Now.

“We cannot and never will be able to arrest our way out of this problem,” said Brown. “It takes a culture change.”