‘We’re here to celebrate Ryan’
Friends, family remember life of young man killed in drunk driving crash
TOWAMENCIN » Friends and family gathered at Fischer’s Park Sunday, April 22 in Towamencin to celebrate the life of Ryan Petrille, who was killed by a drunk driver five years ago, by exchanging stories, dedicating a memorial tree, and enjoying the nice weather.
“For right here, for today we’re here to celebrate Ryan and remember all the good times,” said Ryan’s mother, Jill Petrille. “He was a lot of fun, he was always the life of the party. If you weren’t having fun, he’s gonna pick you up and drag you to the fun.”
On Tuesday, April 23, 2013, Ryan was riding home after a Phillies game when the driver struck a utility pole, splitting the car in half. The driver, who was traveling in his Honda Civic at more than 80 mph around a sharp curve around Ridge Road in Salford Township, had a recorded blood-alcohol content of 0.175 four hours after the accident, more than twice the legal defi-
nition of drunken driving.
“It was just really messy,” said Jill, of the court proceedings, which took place over the course of three years.
A jury convicted Sean Sperl, of Lansdale, in November 2016 of homicide by vehicle but he was acquitted of DUI homicide, the most serious charge against him.
“He got away on a technicality,” said Jill, who was disappointed in the court ruling, but nonetheless determined to continue the fight against drunk driving in the name of her son.
“I do everything I can to keep his memory alive and to spread the word on drunk driving. It’s really unacceptable,” she said.
Shortly after the accident, the Petrille family was contacted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Now, every other month, Jill speaks at the MADD office in Bridgeport to first-time DUI offenders on the dangers of driving under the influence.
“I find it really rewarding. We’re not there to judge —
we’re just there to make sure there are no more victims. I just feel it’s really important to me and when I’m doing it, when I’m speaking, I’m doing it for Ryan. I really, truly do,“said Jill.
Sunday’s event, which included a picnic and outdoor games, concluded with a small memorial service. During the service, family and friends spoke about Ryan, read poetry, and named a newly planted tree in his honor. Everyone who
knew Ryan was encouraged to place rocks around the tree bearing messages such as “we miss you,” and “your memory will never be forgotten.”
“We’ve been coming here for years. I just think it’s a beautiful park. Sometimes I’ll put his picture right there and I’ll sit on the bench and I’ll just watch how many people walk by, and you’d be surprised how many people stop and look and go, ‘I wonder who that is,’” said Jill.