YOUR COMMENTS

For all of those who have been able to READ about this in the paper and pass judgment, I am very happy for you. It is often easier to speak about something then actually have some sort of actions behind those words.

I am Diego baby's mother, he is my life partner and I love him very much, and I just must say, Diego and Mike were inseperable. They were BEST friends, Anyone that knew Diego and Michael, knew this... Diego walks around with a heavy heart constantly for playing a large part in the loss of the life, because of HIS choices and actions. He especcially morns for Michael and his family. He knows he took the life of a mothers child, and NONE of you have seen or heard what i have come out of his mouth.

You think he isn't remorseful? How arrogant.
A lot more was lost on that road, More than any of us will ever truely understand.

I love the Bemis family, Very dearly.. and I weep for what occured almost on a daily basis.

Lets hold Michael in our hearts, and make sure his life wasn't lost in vain.. Drinking and Driving is NEVER a good idea. It angers me when I think of how idiotic it is to do.. This could have been prevented; However; It wasn't, So let's learn as much as we can from this.
- Mariel Button, Manchester

i hung out with you almost two years ago and always had good time the day i saw this on the news broke my heart i will truely miss you and sorry i never stayed in tough i'll remember the good times with you and hopefully sum day we will meet again rip mike and sorry for your lost for his family
- jennifer t, manchester,nh

For you all that do not know Mike or Diego, their friends or family, you should keep your comments to yourself. I recently ran into with Mike after not seeing him for years. I regret not being able to spend more time with him. Heaven received another angel. R.I.P. lil Bemis.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bemis Family.
- Pamela Roux, Manchester, NH

wow, breaks my heart to read the things people write after a tragedy like this...especially most who haven't seem to have a clue. it is SO disrespectful to me that you people can just talk trash and dog on the accused here...instead of just focusing on trying to pass on your sympathies to the family and close friends of the life that was lost here. Mike was such a good kid with a good hearts and unfortunately i didnt get to know him better, but i do know his older brother well. I myself grew up on the westside of manchester and near or far we are ALL always close at heart, and when we lose one...it takes a piece of us as well! just show some respect people. R.I.P Mike...you will be missed. My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin and the rest of the Bemis family. Also, to Diego...keep your head up hun. And last but not least, i love each and every one of you that i grew up on the west side with and i wouldn't have wanted to have grown up anywhere else with any other people. always in my heart!
- D. Ramos, West Side, Manch

My heart goes out to the Bemis family my thoughts and prayer are with you all. Mike will be greatly missed. He could always make you smile. He was a great son, brother, uncle and friend i'm gonna miss you and for all of you with your negative comments please keep them to yourselves the family has enough going on right. You have no idea about the situation so please stop
- Anisa, Manchester

My thoughts and prayers are with your family Lil Bemis you will definately be missed and for all of you with your negative comments please keep them to yourselves you dont know the situation the family has enough going on with mourning the loss of there son, brother, uncle he will be missed by us all luv ya mike!
- Anisa, Manchester

This has been a rough couple of years for the west side. I moved from Manch a few years ago but the rest of my family is still there and all the tragedy that has plagued the west side is horrible, but when i do go and visit it feels like i never left. i often get the question of "when u gonna move back we miss you?" but when i am visiting there is always one more grave to visit or another person to visit in jail. I am very sorry for every ones loss and greatly to the Bemis family. i need to agree with Shadi on this one:

"When they label us and try to suppress our pride
Remember when we lose our closest of family a part of us dies
Quick to knock us but WE ARE THE WESTSIDE!!!"
- Mindi Mathis, Port RIchey, FL (orig Manch)

Michael was a very special son,my baby, and most of all a very big part of my life. He will be deeply missed by his family and TRUE FRIENDS. Michael you will NEVER be forgotten and FOREVER in my heart. God bless you honey. Thanks for the memories. Love you Forever.
- D. Bemis, Manchester.N.H

this would have been an accident if the driver was not drunk. sorry folks but this was murder. if you drink and drive you are a criminal and deserve what you get. his friends can yell it wasnt his fault all they want, but he knows as well as the rest of us that it WAS.
- rick greene, concord

My prayers and thoughts go out to all parties involved. It is a very sad tragic story that a life was lost.
Many of you that write all this negative stuff probably know nothing about one individual involved in this tragic situation. Instead of pointing the finger at one, look at the whole story as a big picture.
Diego will live with the rest of his life that he lost his best freind. This whole group of friends have been through a lot over the past years and we've lost many close to the heart. But in the end we're all still there for one another and it brings us closer.
The Bemis family has lost a member of their family and are coping with it, they don't need to read or listen to all the negative thoughts people have to say.
Diego keep your head up and hang in there.
R.I.P. Little Beam- you will never be
forgotten. Always in my thoughts and heart.
xoxo
- Heather, Goffstown

this is a horrible tragedy, and mistakes were made. pointing fingers and making bad comments about people you don't know doesn't help the families who are grieving. i wish this accident didn't happen, but it did, and a life was lost. my heart goes out to the three involved. i can't believe another 24 year old kid from the westside is gone before his time. r.i.p. mike. to the bemis family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
- cori, westside manchester

I've lived in this nieghborhood for nearly 40 yrs adn It may be a tragic accident, but this is what it is, a tragic accident. However I must say, this pole was repleced not too long ago. It seems to me that after a road is paved anywhere in Manchester, It automatically makes this stretch of road to become the "Manchester 500". People really need to SLOW THE HELL DOWN. This is another case where we need to get these knuckleheads off the road once and for all and have the rest of us who know how to drive to do so safely.
- Bob, Mnahcester

LIL BEM u will be missed by all of us but only the good die young your the lucky one
- jarad P, manchester EASTSIDE

To anyone who is going to bash, bad talk or say hurtful things about this kid should step off he was a friend to my teacher in high school and some of the things that are being said are just RUDE! you all should be more careful as to what you say you are causing damage to someone who lost a friend these two were like brothers it is heartless as hell to sit here and say it is his fault if there was a sober driver in the car they should have been driving though i do not condone dui but hey should have been driving the part blame should go to them even thought he was drinking its partly their fault
- Abby, Manchester

To Lisa of Machester: It is hurtful in every way to even hear of something like this. It is just as bad and stupid and ridiculous to get in a car if you've been drinking as it is to get out a gun and shoot someone in the head. I realize some people are forever emotionally and mentally harmed after they realize they have killed someone, but how long have we known that drinking and driving are fatal? It isn't something new, and it is murder.
- Karly Swanson, Lincoln

its to bad that sometimes we make bad choices in life that end tragically we all can comment on who's at fault but will never change the out come of that terrible night for mike,diego or tanya i know how tragidies feel. it reminds you everyday how life can change forever. my thoughts and prayers are with micheal and family also for diego and tanya hopefully the west side can move on and remember life can be cut short
- csheehan-lawyer, manchester

Hey D. I'm sorry! Keep your head up. Theres always another side. I'm looking forward to having you on my job site again. Your a great kid !
- Jack P., New Boston

I'm not condoning drinking and driving in any way. This is a horrible, horrible situation but I think as a grown adult we all need to keep in mind that nobody forced anyone to get in this vehicle. This man will pay for this choice his whole life, he lost one of his best friends and no punishment is worse than that. I’ve had countless conversations with my 20 year old daughter about driving drunk (the risk of hurting herself as well as living with hurting or killing someone else) and getting into the car with someone drunk (living with the fact that she could possibly be the only survivor). We all need to learn from this and teach our children/friends and family that it can happen to anyone of us that makes these choices.
- Christina, Pembroke

Mike I will never forget all the good times we had! Not one day will go by where I wont be thinking about you. God must have needed an angel to watch over us, I love you buddy! I will miss you more than ever!! Keep an eye on us. My prayers go out to Mikes family.
- Frannie, Manchester

To the Bemis family my Condolences.. To those of you with the negative input , yes Diego made a mistake I think we all know that and I'm sure he does to but ask yourself have you ever made a mistake , yes I'm sure you have so who are you to judge another person..You can all say Diego should go to jail for life or he should do 15 years for what he did Diego will serve a sentence for the rest of his life for what he has done with the quilt he will carry causing the death of his best friend. Enough with the negative comments there are a lot people who are hurting right now over this loss so think about them.
Don't judge someone if you don't know what really happened that night..
Bemis family does not need any negativity right now they need support.
- Debbie Digloria, Manchester NH

What a horrible tragedy to all those involved! My Condolences to all!
May you all find comfort in family & friends, and take comfort in knowing you have a guardian angel watching over you.

RIP~Mr. Bemis
- Shirley Mansfield, Manchester

we all have to take responsibility for OUR OWN actions......no matter if its drug consumption, speeding, wreckless driving....ect...my thoughts are with the families involved.
- jennifer, manchester nh

Mike was The most energetic, heart of gold, so full of life, the most wonderful person i have ever known. He was a heck of a soccer playeri can tell you that much! but mike was always smiling we had go games fun through school. I can't remember one time mike didn't make me laugh. MY heart goes out to Dorothy And kevin Bemis i Love you guys.
R.I.P. Mike Bemis loved and Missed But Not Forgotten!!!!
- Jaime Shaw, west side Manchester

My heart goes out to everyone involved in this tragedy. Let us all learn from Diegos mistake. Diego is a kind man and a proud father who made a very bad decision. Losing a friend will haunt him forever. This group of friends has been through a lot over the years and although I cant condone his actions its nice to see his friends standing in support in what is undoubtably his darkest hour.
- Jeff D, Manchester, NH

So sad! Mike was one of the nice ones. I met him at Grand Slam and played pool with him quite often. He was a polite young man and I enjoyed talking to him about his GREAT Red Sox Jacket. In fact, saw him Saturday Night at Grand Slam.
My Deepest Condolences to the Bemis Family. Mike was a nice kid!! He'll be missed!!!
- Nancy Cote, Manchester

My greatest sympothy goes out to the bemis and leclerc family i went to school with Tanya we where good friends we all used to hang together on the block (west side)Even tho i am living in Canada im trying my hardest to go pay my respects and Diego i know times are a lil rough rite now but keep your chin up stay strong i love you guys god bless xoxoxo
- Josee Lavoie, Montreal Canada

Keep your head up Diego.
- BB, West Side

With deepest sympathy, you will be greatly missed. Our condolences.
- Kristen, and Angela, Manchester

My heart goes out to the bemis family..I havent seen mike in a few years but the times we shared is cherished...like shadi said we are a tight group of kids who grew up on the west since youngsters..and no matter what paths we take as adults nothing can replace our upbringing and the memories we have shared together in the past..sad to see the changes the have come to unfold but all we can do is keep our head up and take it one day at a time till we are all happy again..to diego..clearly the biggest mistake he has ever made but lets not torture him anymore than he already is inside..R.I.P mike
- Steve "EsBlitz" P, Manchester

Luckily this guy didnt hit another vehicle with a little child inside or innocent pedestrians. The "west side" friends of Diego feel that we as a communtity should keep our comments to ourselves. In my opinion, if any news story deserves discussion, this is it. When someone drives drunk and without regard for public safety or others lives we as a community need to speak out.This was terribly irresponsible and a innocent person paid the ultimate price.
- John, Hooksett, NH

RIP Mike Bemissss! I will never forget the crazy times hanging out with you amanda and tom! <3
- Melissa B, Manchester NH

w/o a doubt we have been hit by yet another tragedy... WE ARE from a tight neighborhood. Unfortunately its times like this when we realize how much love we do have for one another.... w/that said the deepest of condolences go out to the Bemis family and to those who are quick to fabricate assumptions of us or what we do just take note...

when they label us and try to suppress our pride
Remember when we lose our closest of family a part of us dies
Quick to knock us but WE ARE THE WESTSIDE!!!

Shotz
- Shadi, manchedda

To all of you people out there that don't know Mike ,Tanya' or Deigo just keep your comments to yourself.We are from a tight neighborhood that has dealt with alot of tragedy in the past and would be the last people to comment if this were your child.
. Mikes mom is having a hard enough time ,this women just lost her baby.Mike was a great friend and person and will be deeply missed.I have known Mike ,Tanya and Deigo all for over 15 years and hope Tanya and Deigo can heal both physically and mentally,and may Mike R.I.P Give Nick a hug and tell him i miss him everyday love u little Bro . LilRed WESTSIDE .
- JON V, WEST SIDE MANCH'

i just wanted to send my condolences to the Bemis family durring this very sad time. Mike was a very nice, generous, kind hearted person. I am happy i was able to know him.
- Bianca, weare

RIP Mike
You will be missed so much!
- Kyla, Manchester

Let's remember here, that alot of people lost a great friend. The Bemis Family lost a member. All you people that just get on this computer and talk trash make me sick. We are dealing with a loss of a loved one. Any problems, look me up. I will be ahppy to talk to you about this in person. Mike, Rest In Peace Brotha. I love you, and you will truley be missed. Charlie.
- charles digloria, Manchester NH

My car was struck by a drunk driver when I was 23. I've often wondered why I survived and others don't. Sadly, this has become socially accepted killing. People say "everyone drinks." Not everyone.

Bemis family I am sorry for your loss and hope some day you find a way to find contentment in life.
- DJ, Amherst

RIP Mike we all love u and will miss you very much, you were a great friend and a hard worker.
- Krystal, manchester

I think a plaque would be an excellent idea and reminder of the poor choices that can be made while drinking. What a tragedy is right. Such a young life. Everyone that is involved lives will be changed forever but positive change needs to come from this. My condolences.
- Abby, Manchester, NH

I think that unless you're writing a comment to offer condolences, you shouldn't write a comment at all. If the only thing that you know about this story is what you've read in the Union Leader or heard on the news, then you don't know nearly enough to comment on or make judgements about the event or the people involved. Please have some courtesty and respect AND BE QUIET. That goes for all readers/commentators in relation to EVERY story the UL should ever publish about anything. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but making those opinions public when they could be hurtful in any way is just not called for.
- Lisa, Manchester

RIP Michael <3 My condolences to the Bemis family. Michael was a good friend of mine and I have, and will, always love him. My thoughts and prayers are with all the people involved. I will miss you B. God Bless
- Lorraine, Berwick, ME

My prayers go out to all involed. We will all miss you. To the Bemis Family all our love and condolences to you in your time of need. Bemis watch over your family they will need all your love and support.
- Kristen Garcia, Manchester

My heart goes out to ALL families involved...what a tragic outcome.
- Angela, Manchester

It's so easy to place blame and, of course, somebody is at fault here. But regardless..we have ALL made mistakes, and maybe some with not so lasting imperssions..but can you imagine how Diego is feeling? Fault or not..none of us would be able to live with ourselves after. My heart breaks for everyone involved, and its so sad that all anybody can talk about is placing blame and talking trash. I'm so sorry to Mike's family and Diego-neither will ever recover from this.
- Tara, Manchester

Diego if i would of know that this would of happened to a car i sold to you i would've of never done it. because everyone in that car are friends and now all i picture is mike going thru the windshield in my car. that's all i can picture and i cant even look at another jeep right now i feel as thou its my fault even tho its not . and my daughter will never say i wanna see lil Bem ever again she knows when we went by his house lil Bem lived there
- heather wade, manchester nh

R.I.P Mike We will all miss u, so young butsleep with the Angels now... Im so sorry Kevin i couldnt imagine how ur feeling right now :( ..my condolences ..godbless
- sarah m, manchester

Crystal, NH -

Are you trying to say the passengers were looking for what happened to them? It was the driver's responsibility to say, "I've had too much, I cannot possibly drive safely." That's the driver's job to say they can't drive and that they need a taxi or someone sober to drive them home. It's not rocket science. Sadly, a life was lost because of a severe error in judgment.
- Bill, Manchester

How about personal responsibility? Pretty simple concept. We are all responsible (or should be) for our own action. None of these three had any of it. Each one of them is to blame in their own way and its a horrible lesson to learn, even if you make it out alive. But hey you know what they say: "If you play, then you pay" Deal with it.

Condolences to all of the family and friends of those involved.
- TJ, Bedford

RIP Mike
- Andrea, Manchester

I think the driver should do a minium of 15 years to life sentence. Aman lost his life because some goofball wanted to drive home drunk. I feel sorry for this mans daughter because she will grow up with a father in jail. And i feel even more sorry for the bemis family for losing him.
- sean, allaenstown

These kids have made bad decisions since I can remember. Someone needs to take responsibility for this and it falls on Diego's shoulders. If it was a simple motor vehicle accident then No blame could be given, however there was alcohol involved and now Diego can pay the price for making terrible decisions.
- Bill, Manchester

Does anyone know what establishment they were drinking at? Perhaps they were over-served and shoud be at least fined so that they stop over-serving intoxicated patrons who then get in their car and drive. Unfortunately if there is no responsibility taken then they will continue to serve these idiots.
- M-, Manchester NH

My condolences go out to the deceased's family.

Can the Union Leader try to get one critical fact to report whenever there is an automobile accident caused death? Were they wearing seat belts?

Also, if Gallegos' friends were supporting him with shout outs of "It's not your fault." - then whose fault do they think it was? Maybe they come from the ilk that wants to blame the bartender, the vehicle manufacturer, the utility pole installer, etc. These people have to realize it is his fault and society needs to reinforce this with a harsh vehicular homicide conviction.

That's right - Diego Gallegos is responsible for the death of Bemis, no one else.
- Jerry, Derry

It most certainly is the driver's fault. He was the one operating the thousand ton vehicle. He was the one who was drunk. He was the one who should have been in control of the Jeep.
What a tragic ending to such a short life.
Maybe someone will learn something from this.
According to the article, Mr. Gallegos wasn't an outstanding citizen, he had prior convictions. Didn't learn from those I guess.
RIP Mr.Bemis and get well soon Ms Leclerc.
- Millie Fenton, Manchester

I think plaques in the bars is a great idea as well and am also wondering why alcohol is so easily accessible. Yes, bars would go out of business, but aren't people's lives more important? Impose a drink max, or give out pocket breathalyzers before they buy more drinks...something that will stop this!

We lost a friend in Goffstown High School because of someone driving drunk, 3 others were seriously hurt. RIP Jen C.

One of my friends could have killed someone one night when he decided to get into a car with a .26 BAC and flipped a car because no one was around to tell him enough was enough.

The word needs to get out there and people need to realize what they are doing before they get in the car with someone who is drunk or getting behind the wheel while they are intoxicated. Something has to be done.

My thoughts go to the Bemis family at this time, this is a horrible loss. My husband went to school with Mike and said that he was a great guy. Keep your thoughts on Tonya as well so she pulls through.
- K.A., Manchester

Wat a tragey
RIP Mike Bemis
So sorry to the Bemis family for their loss..
My prayers and thoughts are with u at this horrible time..
- Jill H., Manchester

My condolences go to all three families for such a tragic accident. We will miss you very much Mike.

Diego is devastated. He has not only lost his best friend, but knows it was in his hands. The reporter misquoted the message of support, which was "we still love you". She apparently understood it as it's not your fault.

His words may have given him some sense of support while his mourns the loss of his best friend and bears his survivors guilt alone.
- dc, Manchester

I am a good acquaintance of Diego. I know Diego as a quite, big hearted individual. When I see him with his daughter he is full of life and would give anything for her. I know the pain he has inside for killing and hurting his friends will never amount to anytime he serves in prison. His sentenced started at 2:35 am. Sunday. Not to mention letting his family down...especially his child.

Growing up on the West Side, we have never had a DUI story like this. We've heard of them, most if not all communities eventually have them. I know this tragedy has touched many. Michael, Tonya & Diego have taught our community the hard way. We now know what it's like....unfortunatley! RIP Michael, get well Tonya, and Diego, keep your head up. It will get better Brother. It is what it is.

Love the idea about the plaque in the bar. Might not have anything to do with this story, but love the idea!
- Bobby, West, Manchester

RIP Mikey Bemis...
- Doug L, New Haven, CT

"It's not your fault."

It's not his fault? It's not his fault? Will someone please tell me where the concept of personal responsibility went? Did it evaporate? Is there any chance it might percipitate its way back down upon these morons? Mr. Gallegos, this IS absolutely your fault.

I propose a question to all you bar-hopping 'casual drinkers' out there... is it so hard to NOT drink and drive? These stories are in every paper in every city and town... Why do you think it won't be you?
- Scott, Manchester

Gallegos has previous convictions for possession of drugs with intent to sell and underage alcohol possession.

I am sure he was a "Great Freind"

He can only blame himself.

And to all that call him a great freind, remember the saying " Sleep with dogs, and you catch fleas"

What a "Great Freind".
- Randy, Amherst

people need to stop running thier mouths if they dont know them or the familys this to much right now R.I.P MIKE
- aracelly, manchester nh

Let's all realize this was not an accident. This guy decided to drink and then drive his vehicle. I lost a brother due to another driver drinking and driving, hit my brother head on. When people make these decisions they must be held accountable. As far as people saying that this driver is suffering enough because his good friend is dead makes no sense at all, if he were such a good friend why did he drive drunk with his good friend in the car? Young people think it won't happen to them.....it can and will happen to you if you make these terrible decisions.
- Mabel, Exeter 60

This is clearly a tragic occurance, however let us remember that everyone in that vehicle was an adult who made a choice. Those choices resulted in these horribly irreversible consequences. Diego made the choice to drive while intoxicated & Tonya & Mike made the choice to get in the car knowing he was intoxicated. Look at the poor kids mug shot. He is clearly trying not to cry. My condolences to everyone involved INCLUDING Diego. 2 lives have been tragically cut short because of poor decision making...
- Sarah C., Manchester, NH

It truly amazes me that alcohol is legal and pot is not. I've never seen the following head line "One dead in serious accident due to pot smoking" but everyday someone is hurt or done something stupid while they were drunk. Alcohol is awful and ruins lives so why is it legal again and pot isn't? I smoke pot everyday and live a normal functional life and have NEVER done anything stupid while high or gotten into trouble.
- Jay, Hooksett

Another senseless and tragic death right before the holidays. My condolances to the Beamis family.
- Raz, Portsmouth

So as I read all these post i do have to say Diego made a very bad choice but so didnt the other two that got in the jeep knowing he had been drinking.Unfortunly a life was lost and hopefully a lesson was taught to alot of people.But then again things like this happen all the time and yet people still do it..... We love you Bemis may you rest in peace!!!!
- Crystal, NH

i knew michael n diego grew up wit them (west side) wow its a shock so much is happening in the same circle it seems like every year we lose someone else out the crew but on another note you cant just blame diego because thats like a regular nite out for most of us its sad but true and im sure they all knew he had been drinking this is crazy you never know when its your time to go r.i.p michael my thoughts n prayers go out to the bemis family and everyone else...
- April, NASHUA NH

Chris in Keene, I agree competely. If that were the case (the punishment fit the crime) people would be a heck of a lot more cautious and actually be courtious for once in their selfish lives.
Distracted drivers are just as dangerous as a stray round.
- Frank, Manchester

This is incredible, how the lefty losers come out and blame the police, the bars and even the city. Not enough drunk stops, signs in the bars, or stop signs. My god the dope should not have been driving along with dopes that went with him knowing he was drinking.
- jim, nashua,nh

My thoughts go out to Kevin and the rest of the Bemis family as well as to Diego and his family. I knew Mike and know Diego. Both stand-up guys. A mistake was made and the death of someone so young was the ultimate priced pay, which is very unfortunate. Best of luck to the recovery of Ms. Leclerc, stay strong Diego, you have a long road ahead of you, and most importantly.....RIP MB
- JRF, Los Angeles, CA

R.I.P Bemis. going to miss u.
- Josh Bemis, Manchester

That picture of Gallegos says it all. Looks like he's gonna cry. Should have thought twice about getting behind the wheel of that Jeep!
RIP Micheal Bemis
- Marshall Sylver, Manchester NH

My consdolences go out to the Bemis family. I am very grateful that my grand-daughter (Tonya) survived this horrible accident. She is in stable condition at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Hanover. When will these people learn not to drink & drive. If she would have been in the front passenger seat I would probably be attending her funeral. This business of the driver's friends saying it's not your fault is bogus. Take responsibility for your actions.

Nana
- Maddy Rattigan, Av on Park, Fl 33825

- Sarah Rockland, Manchester

I 100% agree with everything you said!


My condolences to the Bemis family.
- Chris Patten, Goffstown

His supporters were yelling "it's not your fault". I wonder who's fault these idiots think it was. Why is it that some people simply can't face reality? I wonder if each of these "supporters" would still be cheering for him if he had hit and killed their mother.
- Brian, Farmington

This happened in front of my house and truthfully, I'm surprised something like this hasn't happened sooner. The speed limit is 30, yet people speed up and down the street at 45, 50, 60 mph especially at night. There need to be stop signs installed at every intersection on this street.

That being said, I hope the driver has learned a valuable lesson about drinking and driving. High price to pay though. My condolences go out to the Bemis family.
- DC, Manchester

As his friends called out "it's not your fault" Well, I ask, who's fault is it? The telephone pole for being on the side of the road? The Jeep for not driving straight? The alcohol
the driver drank?
Let's finally put the blame where it belongs. The driver was impaired and that's where the fault lies.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families of the victims.
To the driver, It's your fault.
- Sarah Rockland, Manchester

Maybe our legal system would actually work if people were held accountable for their own actions. Just a thought. Novel though it is.....
- Lyn, manchester

Bemis, you were my friend and cousin... going to miss u
- Josh Bemis, Manchester

Condolences to the family. I went to school w/ Tonya, I wish her well!

No matter the choices that were made, no one deserves to lose a life, a friend, like this. The passenger was the driver's friend - don't you think he feels bad enough (yes he deserves what's coming to him, but that's not to say he's not already going to suffer for the rest of his life - he doesn't need us yelling at him)

Good luck to all and my sympathy goes out to everyone involved!
- ConcernedMOM, Nashua, NH

Sam,
They won't give the death penalty to people who kill on purpose. Why would they give the death penalty for an "accident"? My condolences to all parties involved.
- John, Manchester

I totally agree with Molly. Alcohol is a bigger problem than any drug that's out there, but it seems that drinking is more acceptable. Bring back prohibition. Alcohol is a drug.
- Shirley, Manchester

Sam:

Are you saying that if you kill someone in a traffic accident because you acted irresponsibly and broke the law you should get the death penalty?

Or are you making an irrational statement focused only on a group of people you personally don't like?

I think reckless drivers are a danger and should be punished equally. I don't care you run a red light and kill someone because you were texting, or because you were to drunk. The consequences to your victim are the same, they should be the same for you.
- Chris, Keene

We just need to ban cars, they are just too dangerous...
- Kevin, Portsmouth, NH

This is all so tragic for everyone involved. I"m sure all sides will be affected. Mike is a good guy & will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family. we will miss u "B".
- Mike & Missy, NH

My prayers and condolenses to the Bemis family. Mike was a nice friendly kid who died too young. Hope the other two people involved in the crash heal and are able to carry on normally with their lives.
- Joanne P., Manchester

I would like to see the death penalty for people who kill others with their car while intoxicated.
- Sam, Portsmouth

Annie -

The victim was probaby taken to Elliot instead of CMC because Elliot is a certified Trauma Center and in situations like this EMS protocols state that the patient should be taken to the nearest trauma facility.
- T, Manchester, NH

My condolences to the Bemis family. Kate, Heather of Manchester, this was no mistake. When you decide to drink and drive, your willing to put yourself and other's in danger. The bars, restaurants, have never forced people off the street and made them drink. Every adult should be accountable for their own actions. Charges should start at Manslaughter.
- C Mac, Allenstown

My sympathy goes out to the Bemis family for their tragic loss.

I used to play pony league baseball on Maple Street with a Mike Bemis on a team called Firefighters, but I do not know if this is the same person, as I haven't seen Bemis since those days. Does anyone know if this is the same Michael Bemis?

Once again, my sincerest sympathies out to the family. Whether I know the fallen or not, 24 years old is far too early for anyone to leave this world.
- Bill, Manchester

I'm wondering why nothing is mentioned about the 3rd person in the jeep. There was a young lady in the back seat who is in ICU at Dartmouth Hitchcock, badly hurt.
- Noelle, Manchester

It is ironic and sad that the immediate response of a majority of posters is to cast blame on the bars and restaurants selling liquor (when not one reference was made to one in the article), the police for not being on "liquor patrol" on a Saturday night and other public entities................these gentlemen made the decision to drive after drinking - they and only they can and should be held responsible.
- Sandy, Thornton

Well said, Heather. It's amazing how all-knowing and perfect observers become in the wake of someone eles's perceived mistake.
- Kate, Manchester

Excellent idea to install a sobriety/anti-drunkenness poster! What I don't understand is why we, as a civilized people, still allow places to sell alcholic beverages when there is practically a 100% possibility that the drinker will be driving? We do more to try to stop people from smoking cigarettes than we do to stop people from drinking and driving! Never mind holding the bar that sold the drink responsible, let's hold the system that allows drinking in the first place responsible!
- Molly W, Manchester, NH

The people who drive drunk think nothing will happen.

High schools should show videos of drunk driving accidents to all of the students, annually. It would help save some people.

DMV should require all drivers to view the same films annually, as a condition of keeping a license.

Condolences to both families.
- Donna, Manchester

Instead of jumping up and standing on your soap boxes everyone, why not just send condolences to the family members of the victim. Sure, mistakes were made but no one deserved to lose their life.

Also, maybe I'm mistaken but NO WHERE does it say they were bar hopping, or even at 1 bar. Maybe they were drinking at home and decided to go out and crashed at that point.

Let's remember someone lost a life here, please. My condolences to the family.
- Heather, Manchester

My sympathies to the families involved.

But instead of immediately blaming the places where these gentlemen may have been, why aren't we mentioning the simple idea of personal responsibility? It is up to each of us to monitor our own activities...not someone else.

I've worked in restaurants for decades. 95-99% of the people I have worked with, and for, are serious and responsible regarding alcohol service. But we shouldn't have to be babysitters nor the immediate whippingpost when tragedies like this occur.
Peace
- Joel, Nashua

Jim's comment about installing memorial plaques at the bars is the best suggestion I've heard in a long time. I would also suggest instead of MADD type organizations stiffening limits, they could also use their influence to increase public transit. There's no good reason why in a city like Manchester our access to public transit is so limited.
- J Paige, Manchester

Len B - while I share your frustration with reading stories of another life lost due to drunk driving, I disagree with faulting the establishment. 100% of the responsibility should fall on the person consuming the alcohol, because no one forced them to drink. Personal responsibility please.
- Ben, Manchester

you will be truly miss u will always be in our hearts and minds an Hailey will always love u an remember the game you bought her....
my condolences to the family!!!
- heather wade, manchester nh

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811155.PDF

Another drunk driving tragedy.

Most people do not realize it, but almost 70% of drunk driving deaths are the drunk driver themselves, another 15% are the passengers that choose to drive with them. Thus, about 85% of drunk driving deaths are not really innocent victims, but rather the people who choose to engage in the reckless behavior.

Don't believe me? Check the NHTSA statistics on the web site above, I got this from linking through the MADD site.

Perhaps a new message to send to drunk drivers, which may help, is that they are far more likely to kill themselves and a close friend than anyone else.

Alcoholics tend to be very self centered when active in their disease; maybe if they are thinking about themselves and people they care about they will think twice before drinking and driving.
- Chris, Keene

Jim of Manchester,
You must be exhausted! All that jumping to conclusions has to be tiring. You don't know what these two men did after leaving a bar-should we have the liquor commission canvass all the local stores to see if they bought beer or wine and "plaque" them as well? I'm sorry for this death, but I am very happy that they didn't take anyone else with them-they made their choices.
- Nancy from New Hampshire, Hooksett

We will miss you Bemis. Very sad to see you go.
- JC, Manchester

Why was the victim taken to Elliot hospital instead of the closer hospital CMC ??
Sounds like the driver was taking the passenger home when the accident occurred. Wonder which one was more impaired. Sympathy goes out to that family.
- Annie H. Mellon, Manchester

Yet another fatal caused by a drunken driver.
Why aren't there more Police road blocks set up on a Fri & Sat night?

The establishment where this impaired driver was prior to the accident, should also be charged and loose their license to sell alcohol.

When will people learn not to drink & drive. Especially on Varney Street where there are so many curves.

Oh well, just another one to sit in jail at our expense.

Condolences go out to the victim's family.
- Len B., Manchester

I think the liquor commission should go to every bar/club that Mr. Gallegos and Bemis visited that night, and install a sobriety and anti-drunkenness poster, with a little plaque dedicated to Mr. Bemis: “This sobriety message is dedicated to the memory of Michael Bemis who died 11/15/09 at 2:35 am after drinking at this bar and getting into a car with an inebriated driver.” Make them display that poster and plaque in a prominent location for 10 years as a condition of their liquor license.

My condolences to the Bemis family.
- Jim, Manchester