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One killed, three hurt, in PCH accident
Single-vehicle accident closed most of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu
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Hans Laetz / Special to The Star
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a single vehicle crash Tuesday night at about 10 p.m. on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. A Newbury Park High School student was killed. Four other students were in the vehicle.
Star staff
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Newbury Park High School students and staff were stunned Wednesday to learn a popular athlete was killed and four other students injured when their car rolled over on Pacific Coast Highway in an incident authorities suspect involved drugs and alcohol.
Cody James Murphy, 17, was a charismatic junior looking forward to his senior year on Newbury Park's varsity football squad, friends and school officials said. He was killed when the car he was driving rolled over on PCH near Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu late Tuesday, authorities said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:05 p.m., said Capt. Ed Winter, assistant chief of the Los Angeles County coroner's office. PCH was closed for about 10 hours following the crash.
"It's like losing part of your family," said George Hurley, Newbury Park High's athletic coordinator and former football coach. "People are just kind of stunned."
About 300 grieving students gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday night at Newbury Park High School. They huddled around a small memorial dedicated to Murphy and shared hugs and stories about him. Many of them text-messaged each other about the conditions of the other students injured in the crash.
The four other students injured also attended Newbury Park High, but their names and ages were not released.
A female passenger, a Camarillo resident, was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center in critical condition with severe head trauma, authorities said. Two boys sustained broken hips and were taken to UCLA Medical Center. Another boy suffered minor injuries and was released to his parents at the scene, authorities said.
The teens were coming home from a concert in Hollywood when their car crashed, said Sgt. Philip Brooks of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Lost Hills Station.
The boy released to his parents told police he and his friends had been drinking near the Santa Monica Pier before the crash, Brooks said. After the crash, he pulled two of his friends out of the car, he wrote in a statement to police.
Police found an empty liquor bottle, a marijuana pipe and an empty canister from a medical marijuana dispensary in the car, Brooks said.
"Alcohol and marijuana appear to be a factor causing the collision," said Lt. Scott Chew of the Lost Hills Station.
News of the fatal crash spread quickly. Jim McGlashen, who knew Murphy for most of the young man's life, said he heard of the accident about 11 p.m. Tuesday. An uncle of one of the other boys in the vehicle called McGlashen, who coached Murphy in Little League football, and McClashen said he drove Murphy's parents to the scene of the accident.
Murphy was a close friend of McGlashen's son. Friends since first grade, the two boys played together on Newbury Park's football team, McGlashen said.
"It's such a tragedy," he said. "He was a good kid."
McGlashen's wife, Terri, said Murphy also ran track, surfed, snowboarded and played guitar.
"Everybody loved Cody," she said as she sifted anxiously through packages of photos, collecting pictures of Murphy for a memorial. "He brightened the room."
A good athlete and hard worker on the football field, Murphy had natural charisma, Hurley said.
"It seemed like people gathered around him," the coach said. "He's someone who's going to be missed."
Murphy was a running back and defensive back on the Newbury Park varsity football team. Last season he carried the ball 19 times for 55 yards.
Students Wednesday remembered Murphy as a friendly jokester who had many friends. Thin and of average height, Murphy was nicknamed "Smurf" — like the cartoon characters — because his name could be shortened to C. Murph, said friend Taylor Restivo, 16.
Friend Tim Owens, 18, said Murphy went out of his way to help others. "All you really need to know about Cody is he cared more about other people than he really did about himself," Owens said.
The mood was subdued Wednesday as the school mourned Murphy's loss and worried about the other students injured in the crash, said Principal Athol Wong.
There were lots of hugs and tears, and Wong said she was proud of the way students supported one another.
The school brought in grief counselors from nearby schools to help students deal with the tragedy.
It was at least the third time in four years that a Newbury Park student or recent graduate has died in a car crash, Wong said.
The school had planned to hold dramatic simulations of student deaths in alcohol-related crashes later this month as part of a program called "Every 15 Minutes," but plans were changed after Tuesday's tragedy, Wong said.
"We're canceling it," she said. "We just had the real world version."
— Correspondent Hans Laetz contributed to this report.
Posted by unclneal on April 9, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is definitely a horrible tragedy, BUT the LASD reported that the teenagers were drinking, AND I thought that the law prohibits teenagers from driving other teenagers after dark?!??
Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on April 9, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is awful. I heard this morning that another one of the teenangers had died this morning. All of which could have been prevented, that's what bothers me. Drinking and driving - dont mix. How many years have we heard that saying? I also heard that they were all seniors - just starting out adulthood - starting out their lives. This is tragic. I have a friend that works for the authorities, and they advised me that the kids were going 90- 100 mph on pch - and all drunk. That road is scary during the day - when sober, cant imagine how it would be 100mph and wasted. Let this (unfortunatley) be a lesson learned for those who think that they may have had to much to drink, and want to drive. Dont do it. It's not worth it. Prayers to the familes during this tragic time.
Posted by weissfam5 on April 9, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Cody. This is a tragic loss for our community.
Posted by BeReal on April 9, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To: Noah_Bennet - Not necessary.
Do you remember what it was like to be 17? Most of us at that age think we are immortal. It happened! Kids can sneak out, spend the night at a friends, experiment, etc.
This is tragic. I am so sorry for the families.
Posted by hotwildflower on April 9, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Drinking & Driving...there is no excuse, but the kid was 17 so asking where the parents were is pretty much non-sense. I am sure the parents knew the kids were going to a concert. You have to remember, at 17...the parents have to start giving them a bit more freedom and pray they make the right choices cause at 18...they are adults.
I am very sorry for this family's loss.
Posted by Relvd98 on April 9, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Noah-the parents were most likely at home sleeping? Concerts do take place on school nights/during the week.
Tragedy indeed, my sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Posted by newsisimportant22 on April 9, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The young lady has unfortunately passed on. So now there are two young lives who will not be graduating this year, not continuing with their future goals and dreams. It seems every year right around graduation time that teenagers are killed by drinking and driving. Kids believe they are invincible and get behind the wheel impaired. We can all say where were the parents? But that doesn't bring them back. Talk with your kids, tell them the consequences and if..IF.. they get into a situation like this trust in their parents enough to come get them. I would rather drive my drunk child home (and chew them out the next day) then get the call that they were involved in a horrible tragedy such as this. No I am not giving an OK for my kids, I would pray that they wouldn't be so stupid but kids make bad choices every day, no one can say for sure their child wouldn't get themselves into this kind of mess because good kids get killed every day. I pray for the families of these two young people and I pray for the others involved and future kids to stop and think before they ruin their lives.
Posted by Balla2407 on April 9, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a firend of both let me inform you all the girl has not died, please dont post saying she did unles you know for sure. She is fighting for her life at UCLA and all your prayers will help. Please pray for Cody's family on there loss. Cody was a kid who everyone loves and touched so many kids lives the way he always was happy and really a true friend.
Posted by mandynathan on April 9, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It amazes me how many people think they are qualified to pass judgement in these situations. Aren't the families suffering enough? Save your proselytizing for a more appropriate time. I'm sure the vast majority of people are much more compassionate, especially those of us with teenagers. Our prayers are with the families and victims.
Posted by Starreader on April 9, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these children on this horrible tragedy.
I am so tired or hearing “Where were the parents” comments when something like this happens. I am sure they were at home waiting for their kids to come home just like we all do. This is very, very, sad. I hope the girl makes it. God be with the families and friends of these children.
Posted by rdf730 on April 9, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is very sad for everyone & it is very important not to report infoformation that is not verified! The young girl is still fighting for her life, PLEASE! PRAY FOR HER!
Posted by 805diva on April 9, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers go out to these families. I pray that that young lady is able to stay strong and pull through.
Posted by SpiderWoman on April 9, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ask yourself this, Where were your parents when you were a teenager out making poor judgment calls? We have all been there, lied where we were going, who with, etc. You wouldn't say your parents did a bad job so why do some feel it so necessary to judge them now. Geez!
Posted by cameronincam on April 9, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where is the VC Star in their reporting? The LASD has confirmed it was alcohol related, yet not a mention of alcohol in the story?
Posted by porchiepoo on April 9, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My Prayers go out to all, especially to Cody's family and to the girl who is still fighting for her life. I pray for all the families and the kids affected by this tragedy. May God bless them all.
The press is at NPHS hounding all the grieving students, it is horrible!
Posted by dkeith1397 on April 9, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My comments today are as a parent of three teenagers, not as a member of the Oxnard PD.
I have seen lots of tragedy during the course of my career....lots of these kinds of incidents. It is never easy and if anything, it gets harder to see these kinds of things as I get older. At least it does for me.
The other day my kids (ages 19, 17 and 15) all wanted to drive down PCH to Santa Monica to go to dinner together.
I was totally against it as I knew my wife and I would worry the whole time they were gone....but we let them go - you HAVE to let them go...someone alluded to that in a previous post - you've got to let them grow up.
We were anxious all night about it, but they returned home safely and we could finally breathe that sigh of relief.
My point is this: Kids will do stupid things at times, but you can't live your life in a vacuum. You can't keep them under wraps until they're 40....you do the best job you can in raising them, then you turn them lose, hoping and praying that they will use their best judgement in life.
And sometimes, bad things happen.
I cannot imagine what these families are going through today. This is not the parents fault.
We don't know the details of what happened yet, let the authorities sort it out. It doesn't bring back Cody Murphy, or heal the injuries to the others that were hurt, by commenting about it, or speculating on what may have occured.
I will however talk to my kids tonight about this - they won't want to hear it and they will roll their eyes, but they will hear about it - loud and clear.
Let's all use this tragedy to remind our kids - then at least something good may come from it.
David Keith
Spokesperson
Oxnard PD
Posted by just_saying on April 9, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's some better reporting:
http://cbs2.com/local/Malibu.Crash.Fa...
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by tohsgrad08 on April 9, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To: VCfromMD
I cannot believe you would stoop to the level of calling what happened last night "hardly a tragedy." I am sure Cody and all the other kids in the car were great kids, however great kids sometimes make bad decisions.
What happened is a great tragedy and who the f**k are you to say otherwise.
may Cody Rest in Peace and my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers
Posted by RedTail on April 9, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep, the live report on Channel 2 news also says medical marijuana was in the car. (It reminds me of the Jeremy White incident--It will be interesting to see if the autopsy results show marijuana in the driver's system. How do all these people qualify for medical marijuana?? I was in favor of it for people who are really sick, but now I'm not too sure!)
While it is very sad that this happened, these kids could've killed innocent people on that road. I had a friend in high school (also at NPHS) back in the 80's who was drinking and driving and was killed. Unfortunately I had less sympathy for her when I heard she was drinking and driving. We get drilled all the time about it so there's really no excuse.
Posted by JV805 on April 9, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD, please do some research before you post blatant lies.
Provisional Driving Restrictions—You must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor when you:
Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time, for the first twelve months.
Drive between 11 pm and 5 am for the first twelve months.
Source: California DMV website.
So if you look at it this way, the driver could drive without the supervision mentioned after 12 months. If the driver had his provisional license for more than that, he did not need supervision. And I also assume that you have no children for you to make such comments. And if you do have children, I truly feel sorry for them.
My prayers to all those involved and let's all try and learn something from this horrible tragedy.
Posted by busymommy on April 9, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfronMD what a terrible comment to make. Whenever a child loses their life it is a tragedy. Teenagers feel like they are immortal. I dont think there are many of us adults that didn't do stupid things when we were young. At the time we thought it was fun and didn't have a care in the world. These were teenagers out for a good time with friends. Yes it may have been a school night but what are we suppose to lock our children indoors on school nights? As parents we try to teach our children right from wrong but as they reach adulthood they have to make their own choices. I hope that Newbury Park High will somehow bring all the students together and talk about this horrible tragedy. This is not a time to blame it is a time to come together and grieve for Cody and the others.
Posted by maryannranallo on April 9, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The pathetic ones are the ones with so many arrogant opinions about the way things should be or should not. Grow up! The parents are not responsible for everything their children do. We should just blame President Bush. Hell, he's responsible for everything, isn't he? What happened, happened. It is unfortunate for the family and friends. I know all these kids and express my deepest symphathy. These are great, niave children (we all were one once). I hope this taught our children about consiquences. We love you all.
Posted by golfbalz24 on April 9, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pathetic teens??? Unreal, I can tell you don't have kids VCfromMD, at least not teenagers and you've obviously forgotten what it was like to be a high school senior. This is a very sad story and anybody calling out the parents should let that go as well. These kids were going to be off to college in 6 months no parents in sight, the kids made a bad choice and unfortunately it was a very costly one.
Posted by weissfam5 on April 9, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD needs to return to MD. What an uncaring comment when family, classmates and friends are greiving.
Posted by pace on April 9, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am heartbroken for the families and friends of all of these kids. We seem to have at least one terrible accident every year in the area and it is beyond tragic.
VCfromMD - what incredibbly heartless and ignorant comments. Your "facts" aren't and your comments are inhuman. Be careful. Life may decide to teach YOU the hard way.
Posted by julie.medina on April 9, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JV805 & David Keith...Well said. I will make sure to talk to my boys about this. It is such a tragedy for all involved. Prayers to them all.
Posted by whatever on April 9, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While this is a bad thing for the family and friends to go through I have to say that VCfromMD made some very good and excellent points. You just don't want to accept facts or the truth. That many kids did not need to be in that car, and that should have been stipulated by the parents of them all. And while there may have been a week day concert, I would never allow my child to go to something like that on a school night. And a thing to ALL parents, so many today believe my child wouldn't or couldn't do anything bad, WAKE UP...your child is not as good as you make claim they are. They will and do snowball you and you should be aware of their surroundings and who they are hanging with. And the the OPD, I am shocked at your comments.....you are off base on this one.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To JV805: At 17, he was on a provisional license---I read the same code you did. The odds are that he WAS on a provisional.
To Pace: Call me heartless...I have sympathy for their families, but not for them because they basically 'caused' the accident by 1) driving drunk, 2) driving stoned, 3) speeding and 4) driving without seatbelts (ALL mentioned by the LASD in the Times article).
TO all the other bleeding hearts: How about a gut check on what is right and what is wrong? This accident was predictable and forseeable for the most part...a football jock driving drunk, stoned speeding in a sports car!! DAH!!
TO Pace (again): Read the Times article for the "facts", I was quoting them, not making it up as I went!
Posted by mallory805 on April 9, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my prayers go out to the entire community, the families, and my whole school.
today was an extrememly sad day at school....
=[
RIP cody we will miss you.
and to everyone else from the accident...i hope to see you all back in school soon. get better.
stay strong!
<3
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tom McM: A pipe and a bottle of medical marijuana was found in the car--this information is in the LA Times article on the wreck.
Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on April 9, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD- hmmmm "MD" go back to Maryland. Other
Commenters- I have suggested removal of that RUDE
Comment from that individual. I suggest you do
the same before one of these grieving parents has
to read that nonsens about their child. Shame on
you VCfromMD!!!!!!
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:03 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by weissfam5 on April 9, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD. You show your ignorance right away by stating at 17 he was on provisional license. My son and many of his friends got their licenses at 16 and right after turning 17 are not provisional for passengers.
While the remainder of your comments may be right it is heartless to bring this up at a time like this.
David Keith..I really enjoyed your post and appreciate you taking the time to comment.
More prayers from all for the injuried passengers and the families effected by this.
Posted by RedTail on April 9, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree Noah.
I think people should just come to the agreement that yes, this is a horrible tragedy for the family and friends and our sympathies are with them at this time. But lesson learned, don't drink and drive whether you are a kid or an adult. This is what happens. And it could be your family member killed next.
And please pass on this story to your friends, classmates, etc. This woman, Jacqueline Saburido, is a victim of a drunk driver: www.helpjacqui.com
Posted by gimom2 on April 9, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our thought and prayers our with the Murphy family. All the other families affected by this tragedy and the Newbury Park community. Cody was a very good and polite young man. When he would come to our house with the other boys on the football team to play XBOX and or just hang out and be a teenager he was very well mannered. You should be proud of yourselves as his parent. Just try and remember the good times, the smiles, laughs and everything you loved about Cody. It will help to bring comfort in the upcoming days and months and ahead.
Posted by JV805 on April 9, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD: so what you're saying is that you're assuming that the driver was on a provisional license. Again, please do some research before posting because we all know what happens when you assume things.......
Posted by Comments on April 9, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a terrible, terrible, senseless tragedy. I'm so very sorry for the families and my heart goes out to them. I think that David Keith's post said it best. Of course the parents aren't to blame here. My thoughts go out to the injured and hope that they all recover. Many, many hugs all around.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's all blame the road for this 'accident'. Accidents involve things that "happen unexpectedly". This type of vehicle accident happens every day somewhere in the US. While sad and heartbreaking for the family and friends, it is hardly unexpected.
I have no sympathy for Cody as he could just as easily rolled and hit a car I was riding in getting milk for MY children. We (as a society) cannot beat the "don't drive drunk" message into the heads of teens anymore than we already do.
I say increase the driving age to 18! (Yep, the good and bad kids would be 'punished').
Posted by golfbalz24 on April 9, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Things like this happen, and no matter how good of a parent you are, your kids could make bad choices. That's just the way life works. These are kids, and kids make bad choices sometimes no matter how strict or loose you are as a parent, things like this just happen sometimes. "Football jock?" Way to stereotype a kid you didn't even know. Unreal.
Posted by JV805 on April 9, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Exactly (re: the parents). While I think parents in general can avoid things like this, blaming the parents (in this case) is like pretty much saying that the parents purposely told the teens to go out and drink and crash and cause this horrible tragedy.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:20 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by JV805 on April 9, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Condemning the behavior will change nothing. If you're so disgusted by this, why dont you do something about it? Why don't you go speak publicly at schools, volunteer at your local Boys and Girls Club, etc.? I personally feel sad for the family and the teens involved. Was it a mistake driving drunk and what not (which has not been proven yet by the way)? Yes. What's truly sad is that Cody will never get to see what his actions truly meant for those around him. Let's face it, a majority of people out there drink and drive. You don't have to be drunk to get a DUI.
Posted by golfbalz24 on April 9, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah if he was in the chess club you would probably call him a chess "nerd."
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JV: Come off it...they WERE not only DRUNK, they were STONED as well!! Did none of the four say "gosh, we should not drive right now. Let's call Mikey to come get us." They drove after drinking at THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS! And an empty bottle of Jager (with the marijuana) was found in the wreck.
Posted by meleemel on April 9, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey VCfromMD, It must be nice to be perfect! Can you honestly say you've NEVER done something and then thought to yourself, "Wow, that was a stupid thing to do!" I'm pretty sure you've made a mistake at least once in your life before......The only difference is that luckily for you it wasn't a tragic mistake!
Posted by julie.medina on April 9, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know VCfromMD I think that everyone here knows that what they did was wrong and bad decisions were made, but they made a mistake. People everyday make mistakes, however it is still very sad and my heart does go out to them. And if you have teenagers you would know that if you shelter them, or keep them locked up that this is when you lose them and they become rebellious. All we can do as parents is try to teach them, talk to them and hope that given this situation they make the right decision. It is still a very sad and tragic situation, even though it could have been avoided, but it wasn't, it happened and now there are many many people left to grieve and we should all be considerate of those who know these kids and pray that all those involved heal quickly, body and mind.
Posted by RedTail on April 9, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JV805, you said "a majority of people out there drink and drive". I don't know how you know this, but if it's people you know, then please take the keys away from them. You'll be doing all of us a favor and may save someone's life. That's how YOU can help with this problem!
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:37 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Starreader on April 9, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Has anyone ever considered that he was driving because he wasn't drinking? What if he swerved because an animal ran out in front of him and that’s why he crashed? Until all the facts are in, judgmental people should keep their mouths shut.
Posted by Mr_E_Man on April 9, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD,
While you started to make some relevent points in your posts, the severe insensitivity in which you write is totally uncalled for.
I'm not surprised so many people take issue with what you have to say.
People make mistakes. Semantics aside, a preventable accident is still an accident and a tragedy. It's unfortunate that this particular accident had to end the way it did.
Instead of spouting insensitive, hateful commentary, we should all be using this story as a way to open communication with younger drivers about the importance of using good judgement.
Any one of us could experience a tragedy in our families. We should all be looking at this as a life lesson instead of placing false blame.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK Starreader: More facts: The LASD confirmed that Cody HAD been drinking. AND the other passengers confirmed that ALL four had been drinking at the concert, at a Hollywood nightclub and later at the pier. And don't forget the weed found in the car!
Source: LA Times and CBS 2 report
Posted by RedTail on April 9, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good point Starreader!!
Posted by gimom2 on April 9, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To VCfromMD. Yes, the family does read the blogs. I was there 8 months ago. You read the blog because you cant face people and they cant face you or dont know what to say. All you want to do is hear about your child and it does help. Belive me it does help. Blogging can be a source of healing for people that cant cope with the tragedy. I just cant believe the insensitiveity of so many people when something like this happens. Try and remember one of the Golden Rules you where taught as a child. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU. I think that would include blogging to. Just ask yourself and be honest. What if it was me or my family?
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr E Man, that is because today's society accepts behaviors such as drinking and driving to be normal behavior and rationalizes this type of behavior as acceptable "after all, what did you do at 17?" kinds of actions.
I don't know about you, but I do not drive after drinking and I generally didn't drink alot in high school--even though I am old enough to have drunk legally at 18.
Posted by RedTail on April 9, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And you are right VCfromMD! It does say that on both news reports you mentioned.
Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on April 9, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD-
the way you worded it was totally uncalled for. "Pathetic teens?" Give me a break - people make mistakes, and bad ones at that. You were young once too, remember that,did that make you a PATHETIC teen? Your choice of words was crude, rude,and uncalled for. Thank you Star Staff for removing his/her completely uncalled for comment. Yes, I do think that parents/family/friends of the victims will read these blogs and this article, and see how insensitive the "pefect people" in the world can be such as yourself. Have some respect.
Posted by iam_caine on April 9, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please, let's at least wait until the autopsy results are published before we start pointing fingers about who was drunk, who was stoned, and who was responsible.
My best guess, because Cody Murphy was driving a vehicle that was registered to one of the other passengers, or to his parents, would be that the person who was supposed to be driving was inebriated, and Cody Murphy accepted the responsibility of driving because he was sober.
BTW, maybe perceptions are different in Maryland, but where I'm from, a Suburu station wagon could never be considered a SPORTS CAR!
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr E Man...and my sensitivity is limited by the way that I just generally don't give a damn about someone who make a pathetic decision to drink under the influence of alcohol and marijuana without the slightest second thought or regard for the rest of the driving public. YES...this is unbelievable sad for the parents and families, but I would never let my kids go to a Tuesday night concert in Hollywood (from Newbury Park) in a high-performance car without either GOING WITH THEM or having someone older (like a family friend) go with them. Philosophically, this was suicide by vehicle.
Posted by busymommy on April 9, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did these kids make a stupid mistake? Yes but the survivors have learned a huge lesson. They will spend the rest of their lives reliving that night or and over again. The what ifs will remain with them forever. And before we lay blame on Cody lets get the facts and find out why he was the one driving. It is stated that it was not his car but a friends. Who knows maybe he drove because he was the sober driver. Yes the smell of alcohol was on his body but who knows. I think its important that we remember how precious our lives are and those of our loved ones. Lets hope that the survivors and their families make it through this tragedy. And lets hope that Codys family are able to grieve for their son. We need to remember that these are still children.
Posted by JV805 on April 9, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CBS news said that the teens were drinking, never making it clear that the driver himself was driving. Starrreader brings up a good point. A blood analysis will probably take a couple of days. And what I meant about drinking and driving, just for clarification, did not mean that a good majority of people drive around drunk. You can have one beer or a glass of wine and still get a DUI. There's Driving Under the Influence, and then there's Driving with a .08% BAC or higher.
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on April 9, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
David Keith made very valid points. This is a time for education ... in homes and schools.
There are comments about parental responsibility. I'd imagine that parents of all of the kids are taking a good look at what role they might have played in the tragedy.
Hopefully, the survivors can provide some leads as to where they obtained the alcohol and marijuana.
Posted by dkeith1397 on April 9, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If everyone simply ignores VCfromMD - he'll go away...he enjoys the arguing and stirring people up....ignore him and he'll go away and the family and friends of those involved will not be subjected to his insensitive comments.
But most importantly - everyone with teenagers - use this tragedy as an opportunity to start a dialogue with your kids about this subject...it can't be said or stressed enough.
And finally, my deepest condolences and prayers go out to the families of all involved.
Posted by Mr_E_Man on April 9, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VCfromMD,
No one here is saying that driving under the influence is unacceptable. The majority of people here seem to be saying that while this tragedy could have been avoided, it is unacceptable to start a flame war by purporting to be infallible.
This situation is a reminder of why it is so important to use good judgement both on the raod and in the company of peers, particlulary if you are under the drinking age.
While we still don't know all the details, it is innapropriate to pass judgement until all the facts are known.
this is a time for learning and healing, not insensitivity and condemnation.
Posted by Mr_E_Man on April 9, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Point taken, David Keith.
I've said enough.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.
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Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 3:22 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by hotwildflower on April 9, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was a freshman when the accident on the grade happened and all those kids were killed by a drunk driver. That event had such an affect on me!!
As tragic as this is, I pray people remember to remind their children day after day about the dangers of drinking and driving because no parent should have to get this call.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If teens were going to "learn and heal" from teen drunk driving deaths, we would be seeing a whole lot more learning and less dead kids over the past two decades. But unfortunately, not enough kids are listening. How about anyone condemn smoking marijuana at 17 AND ANY AGE without a pile of excuses?
Posted by whatever on April 9, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am curious for all those who act like this was just something teens do and teens making a mistake, what would you all be saying now if this had not been a one vehicle accident? If he had killed innocent babies or other children? Or God forbid YOUR child. Your not making any sense with this story. You would be stark raving mad and saying all sorts of things. But you pick and chose by the story on how to comment. The facts are laid out and you should be outraged at what they had been doing that night and thanking you lucky stars that these kids with their bad choices that night did not kill you or someone you love. Why don't you just think about it a min before you condemn those with an opinion other than yours.
Posted by flmrmom on April 9, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Condolences and prayers to all the families involved, may the Lord hold you in his arms at this devastating time.
Posted by gothope on April 9, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We need to ignore the ignorant (VCMD)and take this as an opportunity to think and discuss ways to prevent more tragedies similar to this. Whether you are a parent, neighbor, teacher, or just a friend, its time to discuss this situation/tragedy with children and teens. If you get to one, you HAVE made a difference. Whether its drunk driving, drugs, or speeding, its a lesson learned for everyone. We are not invincible, teens just need to be reminded more often. SPEAK TO YOUR KIDS!
Posted by jkboller on April 9, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My son this morning, when I told him about this tragic accident, reacted in saying, "I sure hope it isn't the guy I talked to last week at the track meet."
Accidents like this are far reaching and have a rippling affect.
My heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends involved.
Posted by surfmedic91 on April 9, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Speeding and medical marijuana? The 2 just don't go together.
Posted by c00lbeans on April 9, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It Dosent say anywhere that the driver was drunk or under drugs, just becuase they are in the car dosnt mean everyone was high or drunk. He was driving his friends car so he was probably the DD. I knew Cody and I doubt he was drunk or high, he most likely had a little weed at the concert and was sobered up by the time he drove home.
So what happend? He was driving his friends WRX, i have a WRX and they are fast and handle very well. Cody normally drives a truck(last time i saw him he had a tacoma). In my opinion, it sounds like Cody was having fun driving the WRX through the curves on pch and didn't have the experience and feel for the car. He over estimated the handling of the car and crashed it going too fast. He probably could have easily passed a sobriety test, but when you are used to driving a truck and try to drive a sports car you're not used to at night weighed down by 4 passengers, odds are your going to crash if you push the limits.
The WRX is a very safe and fun car, IF you respect its power and learn how to drive it. Most teens don't have the experience or respect needed to drive a sports car safely.
To the parents that bought there 17 year old a WRX, you made a big mistake, please don't get him a new sports car. He can buy his own sports car when hes mature enough and can afford it on his own. If you do end up getting him one at least send him to a performance driving school so he knows how to use it.
Posted by Lightemup on April 9, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been doing research on this story since this morning when i got the text message that this kid died. For starters, none of these kids were seniors, they were all Juniors. Full on 11th grade juniors. To add, there were 5 people in the car, not just 4. 4 men, 1 girl. 2 of the men with sever injuries, the girl with a mighty injury, the driver, sadly dead, and 1 last person who saved all but the driver. The only thing that happened to this boy was a broken hand and a sliced leg, which has already been operated on for previous reasons. I was a friend of all the people in the accident as the whole entire campus of Newbury Park Highschool. This school is a very joyful talkative school, but on April 9th, 2008, this was one of the most horrible days ever recorded. The only thing you heard on the campus was the tears of those who loved the passangers and driver. If any of you feel confused by the greatly done article(sarcasm) I'd be happy to fill any of you in.
Posted by ostentacious on April 9, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm a student at NPHS.
I just wanted to assure everyone that no, not all teenagers drink. It seems like you all are assuming things based on your own pasts.
Let's not blur fact: they drank, they drove.
Of course this is a terrible tragedy. Of course responsibility doesn't fall solely on the parents. Of course we're all going to mourn and miss Cody.
But in the end, they all made a choice when they got into the car.
My prayers go out towards everyone hurt by this tragedy.
Posted by ostentacious on April 9, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I apologize immensely for my comment if it turns out they didn't drink; I'm trusting the news and officer reports at this time.
Posted by BeReal on April 9, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OH MAN, VCFROMMD! I WOULDNT WANT TO BE YOU RIGHT NOW.
I ONCE SAID "I WOULD NEVER DO A CERTAIN THING". BOY, WAS I TAUGHT A LESSON. RIGHTEOUSNESS HAS A WAY OF COMING UP BEHIND YOU WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.
I WOULD BE VERY CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY. THAT'S SILLY. WE ALL KNOW YOU DON'T THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!
KARMA...MY FRIEND
Posted by RedTail on April 9, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coolbeans, it says on the LA Times Web site first paragraph of the story: A 17-year-old driving a car that rolled and crashed in Malibu on Tuesday night had been drinking before the car flipped on Pacific Coast Highway, killing him and injuring three of his four teenage passengers, who had also been drinking, authorities said this morning.
Obviously, this could be incorrect, but I'm assuming the investigators know this by interviewing the passengers or other witnesses. Factor in speed (and perhaps weed) and as you said the curves of PCH (and of course other crazy drivers), it's a recipe for disaster. PCH is so difficult to drive on normal days, but it's even worse at night.
Posted by ostentacious on April 9, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coolbeans, various news articles say that the kids in the car admitted to underage drinking that night.
Posted by RedTail on April 9, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very good post Ostentacious! You sound mature beyond your years.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Coolbeans: LASD confirmed the driver had been drinking. As for "a little weed" at the concert--what?? Marijuana is illegal for EVERYONE, much less 17 year old kid. And kids (like these 17 year olds) should not have high-performance sports cars and Tacoma pickups! Dangerous precadent. Give your kids used 1980's Volvos and put throttle regulators on them.
Posted by cameronincam on April 9, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sums it up:
The teens were coming home from a concert in Hollywood when their car crashed, said Sgt. Philip Brooks with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's Lost Hills Station.
Police declined to release the names or ages of the students because they are minors.
The boy who was least injured told police he and his friends had been drinking near Santa Monica Pier before the crash, Brooks said.
Police found an empty Jagermeister liqueur bottle, a marijuana pipe, and an empty canister from a medical marijuana dispensary in the car, Brooks said.
"Alcohol and marijuana appear to be a factor causing the collision," said Lt. Scott Chew with the Lost Hills Station.
Posted by sh1zam on April 9, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why anyone has anything negative to say right now is beyond me. this boy was amazing, everyone loved him and his life was taken WAY too early. so anything accept prayers and love for the family should not be said
as for where were the parents? that is ridiculous. the parents were probably sitting at home waiting for their son to come home.
this loss is devastating, and no opinion from anyone is necessary
Posted by c00lbeans on April 9, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't see the LA Times article i was just giving my opinion. Whether or not weed is legal or drinking under 21 is legal, doesn't matter. The kids still did it and shouldn't be driving. Most people can handle a little alc and still drive just fine. Just because Cody drank or smoked or both dosnt mean he was swerving all over and doing 100mph. Maybe he was, we dont know yet. I doubt he was that drunk. I have a feeling that if the car was not a sports car he wouldnt have been temped to drive fast and would have made it home. When your 17 and drive a truck then get the chance to drive a wrx, its very hard not to hit the gas a little and have some fun. In this situation he made VERY stupid choice and went speeding in a car hes not familiar with, thats weighed down by 4 other kids making it handle worse.
He was probably driving pretty well then got to an empty spot of road where he could see there were no cops and hit the gas for a few seconds and couldn't handle the ponies around a turn.
its a bad situation for a lot of people now. immature inexperienced driver + sports car = this.
Posted by RachelK on April 9, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the family and friends of the victims. This breaks my heart for you. I am so sorry!
Posted by tntdooey on April 9, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is every parents' nightmare... My daughter knew Cody. I knew him too, as a funny, likeable kid who made people laugh. This is just so heartbreaking. We've all made mistakes but we must communicate with our kids that they cannot party and drive - some mistakes are irrevocable. My heart breaks for the Murphys and for the parents of the other kids who were injured last night.
Posted by devilangelhawk on April 9, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
STAR!! Please just ban VCfromMD!!
When I was a senior, we lost a classmate to drunk driving superbowl weekend...just before he was to graduate.
I know how his friends and classmates feel. And while he was not the one drunk, the one he thought he could trust was drunk and ran them into a tree.
At 17, your young and inexperienced, you think you own the world and it would never hurt you! You want to be able to tell your friends that next day at school, about the awesome concert you went to and how you drove that car like mad...he wasnt thinking about "hey, I could totally like make us crash right now." He was having fun in his mind...well, most teenage minds.
And we do not know for sure if he was drunk. I never drink at concerts but I ALWAYS come out smelling like an acoholic and if I had been smoking. Especially if the others were drinking, of course he will smell like it!
Cody, his family, his friends, and the 3 others injured in this crash are in my thoughts!
Posted by Blizzy on April 9, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a shame for the families, but don't drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
I have sympathy for the families, but no sympathy for the act.
Posted by santabarbarasand on April 9, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is certainly a terrible tragedy and it is going to stir up a variety of emotions whether you know any of those involved or not. It is interesting to see the vast array of opinions in the post and how angry everyone is getting at VCfromMD for speaking an opinion. I too agree that they could word things in a nicer way but at the same time, they are showing a passion for what happened.
This was preventable, that is a fact. Alcohol and pot mixed with excessive speed and a teenaged boy showing off, make for a fatal combination. Good kids make horrid choices, good adults do as well. It's terribly sad. As a mother I feel a sadness but I also feel an anger. Cody took his life, not intentionally but he took it and in the process he endangered his passengers and anyone else on the road. People who love him will make him into a saint right now and not because it's true but because they need to. There are stages to grief and anger will come, but first comes denial. It's natural.
I'll use this as an example for my teenaged son to remind him not to get in the car with anyone who has been drinking or smoking pot, or who has taken any other drugs. Just a reminder that no matter how mad I would get, I'll pick him up anywhere and at any time. Yes, this accident could and should have been avoided but it wasn't and fortunately, no other cars or people were involved. These teens chose to take their lives in their own hands and disaster struck. They can't take it back and I know they wish they could. They'll learn from it and so will many others.
Posted by OFD_Wife on April 9, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When I was in High School, I was usually the "DD", which normally qualified as the least drunk. At 18 I received a DUI, thank GOD. I say that because not a week goes by that I don't thank god that I was pulled off the street before I killed someone or myself. VCfromMD, in his rant, had a point however completely lost his audience due to his inability to feel compassion. Most teens DO NOT have the ability to comprehend immortality or the lack there of. I considered myself, and still do consider myself...bright. I did not make the brightest decisions and to my benefit it never cost me dearly. I have two teens, scratch that one has made it into is 20's...one more to go. I pray that she makes the right decisions. That's all I can do. I've done my job to the best of my ability. God Bless all involved. We are all just human.
Posted by BeaHappi on April 9, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although it's been many years I do remember being 17 and the invincible feeling that goes along with that.
I am truly sorry for these kids and for their families. Nothing could be worse than losing a child. My kids are still young; we have several years before they are of driving age but I know it'll be here in the blink of an eye.
God bless everyone who is hurting...
Posted by macdaddycrabby on April 9, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets go over the facts.... Did 1 person die? Yup. Dose 1 have head trauma? Yup. Were 4 others injured? Yup. Was the Subaru OVERLOADED with 6 full size humans? Yup. OK, we are good so far. Was the driver a designated driver? Don't know. Was he drunk? Don't know. Was he stoned? Don't know. Was he cut off by an LA driver? Don't know. Did the driver lose control (watch the tv news, they show that the car had just rounded a curve) of the car? Don't know. Do I know any of these people? No. Were any of us there? No. Well now that's straight, none of us knows what happened. This is just sad. So all the readers who are pointing a finger at this young man, can you do me a favor? Go outside, count how many hands is your horse tall. I would like to know how high your horse is.
Posted by lorigirl91360 on April 9, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm so sorry for the loss of a young life, and the life changes for all involved. Sad, regardless of the facts...We all know it was an accident, never meant to happen.
Posted by kljinusa on April 9, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Many comments today. My heart aches for the family of Cody and the young girl critcially injured. There was a rumor earlier today that she didn't make it, but I guess she's still fighting for her life. I really appreciated David Keith's comments earlier in the day. I don't have children, but if I did, I would certainly present this tragic episode as a lesson. And I've been one of those stupid teenagers... indeed, well into my adult life, driving while impaired. I don't do it anymore, because I recognize the consequences of my actions. If I kill myself, well too bad. But I don't want to take an innocent life.
Posted by poptart92 on April 9, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
does anyone know how the girl with the head injury is doing?
Posted by keepin_it_real on April 9, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BALLA2407--Let me start by saying i am so sorry for the loss of your friend and so happy to hear the young lady is still hanging in there. I hope and pray she has the strength to pull through.
Please don't let the negative remarks get to you. I'm sure some of these guys forgot what it is like to be a teenager. I'm sure they have quite a few skeletons in their closets. They just like to stir it up. Try not to let it get to you.
This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to all the others who were injured and the family of the boy who was killed and to all their friends. How devastating.
DKEITH-Thank you, those are my thought exactly. I was a divorced mom and was very nervous about handing my son his first set of car keys. You do have to teach them the best you can and hope and pray they do the right thing, and let them go. He actually had 2 accidents (not a good thing) but more like fender benders. Mostly just not paying attention. They happened during the day, like after basketball practice and on the way home from school. Fortunately, he was so busy with sports and school and part time job, he didn't have time to do anything else. I do believe that good kids can make bad decisions from time to time and you hope they don't get hurt in the mean time. I am very fortunate, my son always came home safe and sound. He is now 30 yrs old and married to a wonderful woman. I am so blessed...
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To MacDaddy: Your 'facts' overlook a few points...the LASD has already stated the driver reeked of alcohol and the other passengers already stated that 'they'--the group--had been drinking at several locations. NO ONE has stated Cody was the designated driver. I would think that that would have been the first thing next to come out of their mouths. And then you add a non-existent reckless "LA" driver. Please!
There is no need to play armchair DEFENSE ATTORNEY on this. Most rational people can add one plus one on this. If it flies like a duck and floats like a duck---it's a duck or in this case another example of a drunk teenage group driving drunk and recklessly.
Posted by Richardbenson77 on April 9, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As sad as this crash was, I am just grateful that only the suspect and his friends were injured, and not some family of 5 who made the responsible choice not to drink and drive. Usually it is the INNOCENT people who are killed.
Posted by macdaddycrabby on April 9, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VC=Let us all know where the LASD stated the driver reeked of alcohol. As a somewhat old man who drove tow trucks before you were probably born, at a scene like this where a car got destroyed as this one did, the only thing you can smell is automotive fluids, not alcohol or pot. ATF and antifreeze have a lot stronger odor. Lets just stop pointing fingers before the true facts are at hand.
Posted by keepin_it_real on April 9, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
poptart92--Just heard on the news the girl is still in critical condition...God bless her, may she pull thru.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To MacDaddy: Regarding the driver smelling strongly of alcohol or reeking of alcohol, that came from LA Times reports this morning.
Regarding your comments about accidents and "The only thing you can smell is automotive fluids"? As a firefighter who has been on hundreds of TCs, that is just straight junk. The smell of alcohol on a person and in a vehicle is distinctive and not buried by others. You can smell fuel and the sickly sweet smell of antifreeze, but you can usually smell alcohol on people, on their clothing and in a totaled car. I am not pointing fingers. I am pointing out the obvious, while others are suggesting we look anywhere else. "Don't look at the driver (who had alcohol and pot in the car), look at the bend in the road as the cause". Hardly.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Alcohol and marijuana appear to be a factor causing the collision," said Lt. Scott Chew with the Lost Hills Station.
Posted by macdaddycrabby on April 9, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VC
Thanks for the direct to the Times on you comments. The article stated "Investigators called to the scene could smell alcohol on Murphy's body and on the passengers", it also stated that the auto "veered to the right into a mountainside and the car flipped end-over-end" you would know that if there was an open container, in an accident like that, the contents of the bottle would be all over everything and everybody.
But just to be a but, congratulations captain firefighter. You graduated to an armchair prosecutor.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Stop making (pathetic) excuses for him and his friends...the bottom line is Cody would be alive and his friends would not have been injured if he and his friends had not been drinking and smoking pot and DRIVING (at the age of 17!). Leave the excuse-making to Gloria Allred and her ilk.
Posted by macdaddycrabby on April 9, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VC
Are you at work now? I just want to know if my tax dollars are hard at work.
Sorry, I made an assumption like most posters.
Posted by VCfromMD on April 9, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So the empty bottle of Jager dumped itself (and was not drunk by the occupants)--get real!
Channel 4 JUST STATED that Cody had been drinking and driving and his alcohol intake was a direct factor...the gig is up!! NICE TRY!!
Posted by macdaddycrabby on April 9, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cool. Glad channel 4 got the results from the blood test. Come on, you know better. News is only ratings.
Posted by cameronincam on April 9, 2008 at 11:21 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by santabarbarasand on April 10, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is Melanie the girl? How do you know that cameronincam? I guess I don't see the obvious... Here's Cody:
http://www.myspace.com/codymurphy
Posted by santabarbarasand on April 10, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, if you read the comments by these kids it will become obvious that many of them are hard core partiers... and that of course they are not as good as their parents think. My son had a party while I left him alone last year and lots of bad things happened, I was shocked but it opened up my eyes. PARENTS, take a few minutes to look at your kids myspace account, it will probably be very revealing. There is a girl posting comments about where she and Cody had sex, including once while laying next to friends. Good kids or not, they are living a lifestyle where there is a lot of partying. With so many activities in school you would think that they would be too busy but they are not. As much as parents need to give their teens some freedom to make their own mistakes, there still needs to be a parental presence and the partying at their young age needs to be curtailed. Don't fool yourself into thinking that this night of partying was a one time deal! There are more teenaged alcoholics and drug addicts than we know about, right Officer Keith?
What's scary is that several of the comments left for Cody say "see you soon". Teenagers shouldn't feel that they will see a deceased person soon. I hope that all parents of kids who even remotely knew him will really be extra watchful right now. Teens are very fatalistic and easily feel that it is the end of the world. Suicide is a very high cause of death for teenagers, probably because they act without thinking long, they are more spontaneous and have less impulse control than an adult. Go check out his myspace before it gets set to private and see if you recognize your kid there. Do something while you have the chance to make a difference!
Posted by BeReal on April 10, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To: santabarbarasand
Thank you for being so respectful with your comments. You made some really good points in a tasteful way. You make it easy to listen and be open to what's really going on here.
Posted by ironwoman on April 10, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
vcmd- Lot's of people would be alive if it weren't for irresponsible behavior. Unfortunately, at the age 17, irresponsible behavior is common.
You seem to think that Cody and his friends were completely bad people. Not so. I didn't know them but I do know many teens in the 80's who have made themselves productive citizens, College graduates, and have successful careers and they partied all the time in high school.
This is a tragic event. Thank God more didn't get killed. It's a learning lesson for a lot of teens right now that knew this kid. It's a difficult for the family.
Work at the juvenile hall or something like that to see what really bad kids do. Then work at a prison and see what bad people do.
Stop criticizing these people because you don't accept their behavior and want to place blame on them because they drank and drove. Many kids do this. Many adults do this. And I am certain you know people who do so stop judging. The kid is dead so have some respect.
Posted by Richardbenson77 on April 10, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This was an "accident" bound to happen. Take a look at these kids pictures on their myspace pages. I guess the only good news in this is that they didn't have a real passion or respect for life anyway.
Posted by ostentacious on April 10, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Richard.
Please don't consider yourself to be omniscient. From the callousness in your comment, I'm gathering that you didn't know these kids. So please please PLEASE don't pretend that you did. Especially if you're going to say something as disrespectful and completely uncalled for as your comment.
I'm a sophomore at NPHS, and I can assure you that all the people involved in the crash touched countless lives. It's not your job to determine what kind of character they had.
Posted by BeReal on April 10, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The immaturity of some of these people that post is unbelievable!
Do I sense some severe bitterness? Maybe you have regrets about your own lives? How about dealing with your own issues and stop tearing down people you don't know.
Posted by YourMom on April 10, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Families and Friends of all involved. This happens to really hit home for me as I personally knew Cody Murphy and so did my Son; my Husband was one of the Firemen who responded to this horrific accident. Please people, unless you know the actual facts, don't assume what really happened here. Yes there was drinking/drugs involved but there are many possiblities of why that car accident happened Tuesday night. Some of you would be really suprised and Shame on You if you do come to find out that Cody was infact the only one sober enough too drive home. Cody was a Good Kid, a Normal Kid. There could be several reasons why he lost control of that car that night. PCH is hard enough to drive on during the day, let alone at night. How many times have any of you looked down in your own car mabye to change the radio station or look for your cell phone and had to swirve from hitting a corner/curb or a car? Think about that for a minute or two. We are not perfect at 17, 40 or even at 50. This is a Huge Wake Up call for us Parents and our Children here in Newbury Park. Please Pray for Melanie that she pulls through this.
Posted by dadof41962 on April 10, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I knew Cody and one of the other boys involved, It's tragic to see what people are saying at a time like this. Cody is dead, a high schoolgirl is fighting for her life and think about the parents...I went through something like this 4 years ago when my sons where involved in a hiking accident with there friends. I know what it's like to get THAT phone call, I was in Texas when my boys got hurt, I was with my son with head trauma everyday and night for 6 weeks, I remember the roller coaster of emotions, This girls parents are just starting their long journey, and I pray for a healing to come to their daughter just like my son, instead of judgeing,PRAY for thses kids and families, especially that girl. Pray for her parents, They are going to need all the support they can get, but mostly they are going to need PRAYER, and alot of it. Get on your knees and say a Prayer to God,Pray for the blood of Jesus to heal,IT REALLY WORKS, my son, not only lived, when doctors said he should have died,but he's doing great in school. Trust, Believe, and Pray
Cody, I am so saddened but our loss, we talked during the playoffs at COC, never thought that would be the last time. To the Murphy Family, All I know how to say is I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you all.
Posted by Richardbenson77 on April 10, 2008 at 10:48 p.m.
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Posted by wpmonster5 on April 11, 2008 at 12:31 a.m.
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Posted by obiwankobe on April 11, 2008 at 1:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear Commenters, First of all I must say I know none of the involved parties, nor do I have a vested interest in anything that comes of this.(My condolences to all involved and associated). (Anyone who posted and was sympathetic & or realistic can disregard what is below) But, you know what scares me? Not these kids being part of the/my/our community. But you,the commenters. It is repugnant to judge. These were and are children. Mistakes were made, decisions were errant. But to use this forum to preach reaks of an ego massage and or an attempt to validate one's own self worth. To use this medium to say you and your families are better than the involved is pure hubris. Hubris that makes me sick. Sick that I share this community with you. I hope I never encounter any of you nor anyone that is as misguided as you. You know what, I'm going to leave that last sentence in; even though it makes me sound better than you. Which defeats evrything I've said prior. But hey, I'll excuse an emotional reaction and hope you'll do the same for me in regards to the second sentece above. You all need come to terms with the fact that this life is not about you. It's about the people that care about you. There are people that care about these kids. Don't take anything away from them. There was a death, maybe another. Lives changed. So don't use this thing to make yourself feel better about yourself. To do so is as a great a tradegy as what transpired. Let the people you love know you love them and enjoy the brief time we all have on this earth.
Posted by julsthemom on April 11, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay...to those so quick to point the finger...were you never 17? I know I was and did plenty of foolish things and by the grace of GOD I have lived to tell the tale. This is a terrible tragedy, Cody was someones child...someones everything....and the other teens as well. It is so embarrassing to see adults on this blog being so harsh and jadded. Yep, I looked at the my space sites...to those who consider them referance to who these kids "really" were and are...all I see is kids...being kids and acting cool. My heart felt sympathy to Cody's family, prayers to Melissa's and the others.
Posted by santabarbarasand on April 11, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok julsthemom, are you the type of parent that allows your kids free rein and looks the other way while they party and act "cool"? We had moms like that when I was a teen and a few of those kids died, because there was NO parental influence. Nobody pretends to be a partier, come on now! It's beyond "acting cool", its dangerous. At their ages, none of my friends or I had cars, there really weren't many teens who had parents who could afford to get them cars and honestly, it wasn't the same risk that it is today. Parents overindulge their kids with vehicles and then give them trust, when many are too young to have the trust and things like this happen and everyone says "oh it was a one time shot, a terrible accident". Well, maybe it was but more than likely it was NOT and being in denial only causes more long term damage.
You think that these kids are joking around, I bet you that they aren't. They may be silly in their attempts to be cool but they will go to GREAT lengths to appear cool and that includes alcohol & drug abuse. I'm not even bashing on teenagers either, it's just the psychology of many of them, it's part of that phase of life. Because of that, we can't give them more trust than they legitimately earn or we are providing them AND society a HUGE disservice.
Posted by anom1985 on April 11, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry to hear
and to the people asking "weren't you ever 17?"
yes, and i never did anything this stupid. drinking? yes, smoke pot? im guilty of that too
drinking, driving, with 5 others in a overloaded car, and going 90mph? never, im sorry but i have some trouble sympathizing with the driver. he put not only his life at risk, but 5 others and the public driving that night, and the hundreds effected by any of their deaths. im well past the point of the "we were once young and dumb" comments. that's an attitude ill never agree with
again, sorry to the families.
Posted by devilangelhawk on April 11, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
At 17, your young and inexperienced, you think you own the world and it would never hurt you! You want to be able to tell your friends that next day at school, about the awesome concert you went to and how you drove that car like mad...he wasnt thinking about "hey, I could totally like make us crash right now." He was having fun in his mind...well, most teenage minds.
And we do not know for sure if he was drunk. I never drink at concerts but I ALWAYS come out smelling like an acoholic and if I had been smoking. Especially if the others were drinking, of course he will smell like it!
Cody, his family, his friends, and the 3 others injured in this crash are in my thoughts!
Posted by ostentacious on April 11, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm 16 right now, and I can't believe someone would drive that fast with that much junk in their system.
To everyone saying that all teenagers do stuff like this and think that they are immortal. . . you are wrong. You only hear about those ones because those ones are the only ones who meet tragic endings like this.
Posted by Unconfirmed on April 12, 2008 at 5:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The simple truth is that these young people did not just make a mistake of tragic proportion, they consumed the alcohol, they consumed the drugs, they got in the car. All of those are simple facts. Calous or not, that is what the driver did. If this is to be avoided in the future one cannot rationalize away the misbehavior. The very essence of youth is the naivity, everything is new and we only become the hardened adults after we witness our own friends do the same WRONG things and kill themselves and kill others. But the acts that led to this were deliberate disregard of warnings of those that have seen this before. Is it sad, you bet, but the driver is accountable for his poor decission. Does it condemn him to haties, hardly but he is accountable and responsible.
Posted by julsthemom on April 12, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
santabarbarasand: quite the oposit thank you very much...I learned from my mistakes as a teen and am a fantastic parent. Your assumptions are laughable. That being said....despite the type of children people feel these were, or despite the assumptions that thier parents were too lax or trying to be the "cool" parents...the fact remains the same...people who judge should take a long, hard look in the mirror and pray that something like this does not happen in their family. I am sure that the parents of these children are overrun with guilt and if onlies...really feel that all this added finger pointing is just plain lack of empathy and compassion.
Posted by lklecka on April 12, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't want to take away anything from this tragedy but I want to let as many people I can know that we should all boycott Golden Spoon frozen yogurt shop here in Newbury park. My daughter is a senior at Newbury Park H.S and was fired last Wednesday for not going to work because she was too upset after learning about the unfortunate death of her friend, Cody and is classmates and friends with the girl in the hospital. She called the owner and manager of Golden Spoon to let them know she wasn't up to working that evening as she was visibly shaken and depressed but they didn't care. Her boss left her a message on her phone saying "since you didn't come to work, you are no longer working here and I guess you are not going to graduate!!! They know she needs this job for work experience and the credits to graduate. How insensitive and unsupportive of our high shcool students can you get!!!! I ask that we boycott Golden Spoon as a community and Cody, may you rest in peace!
Posted by mac94 on April 12, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You have to actively parent your children. You can not assume that since you have given them a home, clothing, and food that you've done your job. Your job does not end when they start high school, it does not end when they start college, it does not end when they get married. You are always the parent. Ask question, say 'No', get to know their friends, be involved in what they do. Set limits and be a positive role model. If you do all of this then you might, with God's grace, live longer than your children.
Posted by HavingMySay on April 13, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your Mom--With all due respect, yes we all do make mistakes and look away when driving but not at that speed, that is extremely irresponsible. No, we are not perfect but we try to do our best and then if something happens, it is just a tragic accident. I don't beleive that is the case here. Do you think if he was driving along at the speed limit and had control of the car it would have been this bad? I think you know that the answer is no. And then we would have nothing to say except how sad it all is.
For the rest of you that keep asking "Weren't we all 17 once"--Of course the answer is yes, but it doesn't make it any less stupid because we did similar stupid things, we were just lucky and he wasn't. That doesn't make it any better of a choice. Hopefully we have more sense now that we are older and of course can look at this as a senseless loss.
May the Murphy family find peace despite all this.
Posted by moorparkman2000 on April 14, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest rem