" Come on Wyoming -- how many people have to die, how many people have to be injured, before we wake up and stop the madness -- drunk drivers are a blight on our community and we must ALL work together to get them off the roads! This is a crappy way to end the year, but a good reminder that we must do something to make 2008 a "drunk driving free" year! It takes everyone -- because at one time or another we are all affected. Best wishes for recovery to the unfortunate victim. "

" I hope that by not putting the suspect driver's name in the paper or the police not providing it to the public now does not delay the victim's identification. the vicitim may have medical needs that can only be provided by someone who jknows him. "

" This is a terrible tragedy. The victim, Jeff Irene, and his family will be in our prayers. "

" I also heard that this gentleman had already been arrested for DUI earlier in the evening and had already bonded out of jail. Drinking and driving really IS a problem in Casper. "

" Is the drivers name withheld because he is a member of Caspers law enforcement? Ya'll have done it before. (Note from editor: Our initial news story omitted the names of the driver and the victim because that information was not available over the weekend. Both are identified in follow-up stories.) "

" I hope the driver doesn't see the light of day. He needs to be severly punished, but knowing our judicial system, he'll probably just get a slap on the wrist. "

" terrible tragedy,,my prayers go out to the victim and his family "

" My prayers go out for the victims family. I hope the driver is severely punished. "

" Patrick don't automatically assume that just because they didn't release the name right away that the driver was a cop. They have to do follow up investigation and find substantial evidence before they go to the papers claiming who was driving. You sound just like another cop hater who dislikes law enforcement because you keep breaking the law and cant figure out why cops keep "picking on you." Get a life!! "

" Cell phones are a real problem too , nannygrl. But I dont see anyone pushing for them to be banned in cars , unlike the booze problem you crow about. I see more idiots blowing stop signs and red loghts while on cell phones than I do drunk drivers doing the same thing. Its only a matter of time before cell phones get banned in cars by fool drivers. I can hardly wait. "

" This is a good example why the cops should sit outside bars and pick up the drunk drivers. Wyoming needs to adopt stricter penalties for drunk driving. "

" What is wrong with Casper letting this drunk out after he was arrested to go back and drink more?! This man needs to be locked up for life and never get out rather Jeff lives or not. I also hope the guys with the drunk that told him he hit someone but did nothing to make him stop the vehicle need to be severly punished! Jeff our thoughts and prayers are with you. "

" our heart goes out to the Jeff Irene family, unfortunately this happened, it is a sad situation. People dont realize what happens when they are irresponsible when they drink, drive and use drugs. They think "It wont never happen to me" I certainly hope Doug Downs knows he will live with this the rest of his life. "

" how can the police department or the jail for that matter let people out of jail when they are drunk this should be a wake up call to all the law enforcement that drunk or people in general should have no less that 24 hours in jail once they go to jail to sober up. It could cut down on other agencies having to call the hospital for assistance and more people would stop drinking and driving.
"

" casper can makesome of us thinking of a drink absolutly sick to out stomach. Look around alcohol is Casper's #1 problem I see cop's visit the homes of these people alot yet no one goes to jail why? When a police man is called there is a reason they need to crack down on alcohol related calls more than anything this tragic story is a example how the lack of disipline work's here in Casper. Get drunk visit police go out and ruin a life. I AM SO SICK OF IT!!!!!!!!!!! "

" Sorry profit we don't have the manpower for officers to sit outside of bars. WIsh we did. If we did, Chief Pagel would do it, believe me. When it comes to drugs and alcohol he fights it with what he has. There is no one else at fault here except the driver. We are all angry, let the justice system take care of it and lets all spend our energy in prayer for Jeff and his family! "

" The fact that this drunk was let out of jail just minutes before this tragedy has been brought up- but what about the bar? Should they not also have some of the responsibility due to the fact that he was obviously drunk the first time he left? Then to come back later, in the same drunken condition, and served more alcohol? I am not proposing that the Sandbar is legally liable, (though they should be) but they should have some responsibility in deciding who to serve and who not to serve alcohol to. "

" What a tragic start to a new year for both the Irene's and the Downs' family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

A lesson should be learned from this. Alcohol impairs judgement. Doug Downs was impaired (as reported) and a horrible thing happened. I think it goes without saying, that a sober Downs would not have done this.

I could be mistaken, but I think that Doug Downs and Jeff Irene graduated together and golfed together. Perhaps they were friends. Making this all the more horrific.
This is something that will have a life long effect on many families.

"

" They'll probably let this guy off light for alcohol and focus on a drug user who could drive a car and not hit someone.i can not believe the state of wyoming just wants to keep building more jails and prisons for drug use and if someone hurts someone or gets drunk they get a slap on the rist.I've lived in North dakota for 9 years and never even had a cop knock on my door.In wyoming i had cops up my butt with a magnifieing glass.I've got 8 years clean and have one semester left to graduate from college.Before i left Wyoming they wanted to send me to prison for 20 years for a small bag of meth.GOD bless North Dakota.I mean instead of getting people treatment for their addiction lets pay to ahev them in prison for 20 years for a non violent crime of being an addick.When i did Meth i never hurt one person but myself .In North Dakota they focus on treament and not locking people in prison for 20-30 years.I lived in Wyoming for 28 years and it took to move to another State to never be in trouble and get the treatment i really needed to beat my addiction.Meth addiction is seriouse condition and anyone on meth needs help not prison.In prison you meet more dealers and get out hanging out with worse people. "

" First of all i think NCDC should have a mandatory 8 hour dwui hold before he/she can be bonded out of jail. I would really like to know who gave him keys to drive after he was released from jail just a short time earlier. When a defendant is released fron the jail on a dwui the person recieving the defendant has to sign a release. That person is taking responsabilty for the care of the defendant from that time on, which should be to take he/she straight home. "

" Did the drunken individual have to pass any kind of sobriety test before he was released from jail? If not, why not. Perhaps this tragedy could've been avoided if, as 'A Casper Resident' suggested, a mandatory 8 hour hold was placed on Mr. Downs after he was arrested for drunk driving. My prayers go out to the Irene family and wish them the best in the coming year. "

" profit, I'll bet that once the facts are out (if ever) Halliburton (Dick Cheney) was behind this entire episode to draw attention away from our glorious victory in Iraq! Where is the brilliant earthling when we need him most? "

" Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to Kim and Buddy. We are Praying for Jeff and your family. God knows whom to punish....~

"

" Jeff M- meth obviously fried your brain, and I hate to ask what you are majoring in- it's addict with a "t" not a "k". Your comments have no business in this dicsussion. PLEASE stay in S Dakota.

Dick Tracy- you are obviously related to Jeff M.

Once again, the entire vehicle of people are liable for letting him to drive from the onset. I'm sure they weere all well aware that he had just been released from the PD for a DUI. They are all guilty to a degree and all need to pay a price. Somehing has to jump start the public conscious into doing the right thing. "

" I think that a mandatory 45 day police impound of the DWUI offenders vehicle would have prevented this tragedy along with changing the policy at NCDC to release a drunk person to anyone who is sober and has the bond money to imposing a 24 hour detention, as well as increasing the bond amount in all the agencies in Natrona County to $2000.00 Currently it as low as $550 and can be as high as 660. This however is not up to the police. Making these changes would require the Judges and Legislature to sober up and change the laws. I also agree that the Sandbar should be liable and have to pay for some of the medical expenses Jeff is going to have to pay, probably for the rest of his life. I hope somebody with some influence reads this and introduces some changes in the laws and call it the Jeff Irene DWUI law. Drunk people beware. Driving is a privilage not a right for drunk people and the consequenses for the offenders need to be at least as severe as the sober victims are forced to endure. "

" I am so shocked and upset from this story and I do not even live in Wyoming!!
I can not believe there is not a better law in Wyoming that DUI inmates be held 24hrs before release!! My heart completly goes out to the family-
This is a complete wake up call to the state of wyoming "

" I DO NOT LIVE IN WYOMING HOWEVER I HAVE ALERTED THE NATIONAL NEWS ON THIS AS I BELIEVE WYOMING NEEDS ALL THE ATTENTION THEY CAN GET TO PUT A STOP TO THIS! WAKE UP ITS 2008 NOT 1908! "

" kinda funny how all the figers are pointing as if nobody voicing oppinions has never had a drink then drove....Jeff should not have had to go through this, but Doug is not a bad person and I'm sure if you were to ask Jeff his oppinion of Doug you would get the same responce. Accidents happen people and people drink, the risks we all take everyday and every night are not just drunkin drivers.... cast the first stone if your free of sin...... "

" Well I have an answer to the legalystem of CASPER.....that is if there is a legal system. I have personally watched a judges talked people out of guilty plea's, let people go because of "who they were", and watche a my neighbor with over 15 DUI convictions left the jail and drove himself home.
Also I have written to the Editor several times about the lack ofinforcement in Casper. Last week I was almost run down by vehicles running a red light right in front of the courthouse. Speeders, stop sign violations, red light violations yet in the last 20 days in Casper I've seen only 3 officers out and about. Where are they??? "

" I agree with Steve, bar personnel should be held in part liable for serving an intoxicated person more booze. In fact I thought there was already a law regarding this very thing. Maybe some one in the legal community could look into this? I mean if bar personnel can be fined for serving minors why not this? Regardless, both of these families will never be the same. My mom used to tell me when I was younger, going out with friends to party. REMEBER, "it's not that last drink that gets you into trouble, it's the first"! Because it changes how you make future decisions. "

" I must disagree with hmmmm- this was NOT an accident. This was a choice. He chose to drink and drive, get arrested, then drink again and drive! How can this even remotely be considered and accident? I sincerely hope this person gets the harshest penalty allowed under law. "

" Just a little common sense should have told the police department to hold Doug until he sobered up!!!Dunk people don't use the best judgement so someonehas to do for them. "

" WTF??? "

" ok first off Mr./ Mrs. honestly you have no right to pass jusdgement on others people especially people in this blog you dont kno the facts with this case and im damn sure you probably dont kno Jeff M so before u start acting all high and mighty like youve never made a MISTAKE before try looking on your life ta see if its so perfect and then right back "

" Everyone that this tragedy has touched is a victum and I am praying for them all. It is my understanding that they all were friends. This accident is life changing for all involved. god bless all of you. "

" As someone who suffered the same fate (1975..and only 100 feet), and saw the DUI driver get off without jail time, no impounded vehicle, and a lawsuit settlement that should have been many times what it was when settled 4 years later ($31k, when it should have been $3.1m), and, having been watching DUI cases very closely that last 30 years.

I can say this from the perspective of EXPERIENCE. I spent 2 months in hospital, had my legs put back together with steel rods, and missed my sophomore year of high school.

If you don't make EXAMPLES of DUI drivers, MORE and MORE people will die EVERY day...when NONE have to.

My thoughts? Make any driver caught driving under ANY influence guilty of a CAPITAL crime, take their vehicle, take their livelihood, and if you have to, put them on an island with NO niceties. Make THEM suffer what it's like to be crippled, unable to hold long term jobs because of injuries, having to scrape to simply live...and forget ANY luxeries. Take THEIR futures away for an EXTENDED length of time.

Oh, you want me to be realistic? Put'em in jails that won't hold any more people? BUILD MORE PRISONS...just for THEM. Hard labor, living in tents, patrolled by attack dogs, no heaters in the Wyoming weather, not enough water in the summer...and LOTS of barbed wire and concertina. Plenty of deadly snakes and rabid animals...you know, mammals and reptiles that SHOULD know better, but just can't help being BAD...sort of like DRUNKS?

Am I, after 33 years of living with the memory of nearly dying in the street 6 blocks from my home, and one block from my high school, angry? He walked...I was crippled. He forget about it. I live with it. He didn't lose a thing. I lost my future in the military because of the permanent damage to my legs.

You drink and then you drive? YOU SHOULD SUFFER MUCH more than we victims. You are gambling, and WE lose. Do us all a favor. Forget the drinks, forget the chances. Just get in your little DUI vehicle and go drive it straight into a concrete wall at 100 mph...save the REST of us innocents your wasted life, and let YOUR families suffer.

No Pity...No Empathy...No Concerns...for those who drink and drive. You dug your little alcoholic hell hole...now slumber in it for eternity. There is NO excuse. PERIOD. "

" We will always have this problem until the punishment becomes to painful for anyone to risk it. It will basically just drive the addicted drinkers into the thier homes or force them to find other means of transportation. If we as a State don't have the guts to be tougher on crimer, crime will just get tougher on us, plain and simple. Stop the excuses for peoples' poor behavor and start dropping the hammer, or stop whinning about the issue. "

" steve, I know the that this was an accident and I also know that if you anyone knows Downs that they would know it was all an accident....Is Jeff doing better or is the paper still trying to play GOD and tell us all what they call fact? The fact is Downs was drunk and was driveing and he was caught on it, but he was also released. The cops must have thought he was sober enough to go back out. Downs is guilty for the accident, but not guilty for doing it on purpose.........you all know it to be true!!!!!!!! "

" OK drinking and driving is bad. Then why the hell do you all have drive up windows at liquor stores? Why can you leave the bar with a drink in your hand? When I was tendening bar in wyoming I took very good care of my consumers. If I as the tender thought they had to much to drink I'd bargin with them. If they got upset when I cut them off I'd tell them they had a choice. If they could find a sober person to drive them home I'd let them have 1 more. If not then so be it no more to drink. And what about a service paid for by the local bars that make sure every one gets home safe well thats what they do in Oregon. Next cell fones, In several states it is a crime to talk on the phone while driving. Hands free or not for kids under 18 Personally I thank that nobody should use the phone while driving.Just let it ring. My prayers go out to both families as everyone has to live with this "

" This is a horrible accident which will affect both families. I personally don't feel this is only due to Downs being intoxicated. Common sense and gut instinct tells me there is more to this and there are some inaccuracies. I would like to see if the blood alcohol level was really .11 the second time. I hear it wasn't, (maybe I'm wrong). I'm not trying to excuse Downs going back to the bar let alone driving. #1 the paper makes it sound as if downs left Jeff in a ditch threw a blanket over him and ran. Has anyone seen a ditch at the final location for miles? I haven't. Knowing downs, he was administering first aid on Jeff and put a blanket around him to keep him warm, then freaked when the sirens came. (again another mistake) #2 #3 Jeff's core temperature was 30 degrees when he arrived at the hospital. Can your body temperature drop that low in the 5 min of the drive or was he laying in the parking lot behind or under the car for some time? I question the character of the people in the car with him. If you knew Downs Hit someone why didn't you do more to stop him? Kinda sounds like you might have known Jeff was there?
To the public. I know Downs would trade places with Jeff if he could and I cant imagine what he is going through knowing the mistake he has made.
To the families. There are a lot of people thinking of you and praying for your well being and to be strong through this.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all "

" A police car should be parked outside problem bars like the Sandbar and the Sandbar should pay for it. At least for the last three hours until closing time. "

" I will tell you where the police are at DM. Wasting time investigating innocent people of bogus reports. Then the people that call in these false reports can continue to do so, but Casper residents can not charge them with harrassment. They need to make some laws against false reporting, as well as tougher laws for drinking and driving. It was 2007 an officer died drinking and driving in Casper correct? I do give officers credit for admitting it is ridiculous to have to go to investigate so many false reports but they dont have a choice. You never know if they werent having to mess around with false investigations, that person that was drug by the car may have been saved. I guess more or less its the way the laws are set up there sadly, thats probably what needs to change. "

" Just a Hypothetical as far as the BAC of Downs. If he was a .11 at the time of booking the first time if he was in jail for 1 hourhis BAC would have been -.015 or .085 and then if he had just another 2 beers your would add another .05 so it is feasable that his BAC could have been .135. As far as the body tempurature goes if the body is pulled open and the organs are exposed it stands to reason that you could lose a lot of body heat.

Friends or not, an example needs to be made of Downs that drinking or driving will not be tolerated. "

" Virginia is trying to pass a law stating that you can't hang rubber human genitalia from the bumper of your car any more......Guess them easterners don't know anout Wyoming where we drag the entire body around....... "

" RF is right. He lives with it while others forget. We need to make "others" live with it. Stiff, stiff penalties. Make people absolutly terrified to drink and drive. Nobody purposly steps infront of a moving train- drinking and driving needs to have the same mind set. "

" obviouslymoretoit

How dare you question the character of the people in the tahoe I was one of them and I didnt know Jeff was hit or hooked to the car. I have known Jeff for many years and love and care about him. I agree there is more to it . When Jeff can talk I pray he can fill in the blanks. "

" To sleepless in Casper, why not make yourself and the details known. I pray that Jeff never remembers the horror he went through. Give his family some peace, tell us what you DO know because it doesn't add up. Were you all too drunk to make good decisions? While we wait and pray, there are four passengers from that Tahoe that aren't telling us what they know. Come forward, do the right thing. "

" obviouslymoretoit and I are still waiting for an answer from you, sleepless in Casper....or from the others who were riding IN the Tahoe while Jeff was been
dragged underneath. Step up, we're waiting to understand what you were doing and thinking, what you saw and what you did or didn't do about it. I guess it wasn't a priority for you to wait at the hospital that Sunday very early morning while it was unknown if Jeff would even make it through the night. "

" If you are DUI or DWAI, you should pay the price with jail time and long boring classes telling you why it's bad. Too many times it takes a drunken driver t-boning a mini-van with a fmaily coming home grandma's for people to get the hint. "