Special Dedication For Green Country Man Killed By A Drunk Driver

Friday, May 18th 2007, 8:01 pm

By: News On 6

A Green Country man who was killed by a drunk driver three years ago left quite a mark during his short life. News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports he is also leaving behind a unique legacy that extends beyond the state of Oklahoma.

TC Lane was an amazing young man by any standard, an Eagle Scout, congressional intern, Red Cross life guard and swim instructor. He was a senior at Stetson University in Florida, studying political science and planning to go to law school. All those dreams ended on Christmas Eve 2003 when a drunk driver killed him. Now, Stetson University has done something quite extraordinary to honor TC Laneâ€™s memory.

Stetson University has named a reading and seminar room after TC Lane inside the historic Elizabeth Hall. It's the first seminar room ever dedicated in memory of a student, a student who touched many lives on and around the campus, even though he was killed before graduating. On dedication day, it was packed with people from all over the U.S., who admired TC Lane.

TC Laneâ€™s parents, Tom and Nanette Lane, always thought he was a great kid, but to hear so many others sing his praises has been a real mend to their broken hearts.

"You say, wow, I didn't know that kid was there. You just don't really ever know your child until you get to know some of the people that knew them," said Tom Lane.

Tom Lane, Nanette Lane and their son Trevor Lane have dedicated themselves to making something positive come out of TC Laneâ€™s death. It's the only way for them to get through the devastating loss.

â€œHe'd drive thousands of miles out of his way to help people, and we look at that and say, we carry on," said Nanette Lane.

They're working to improve Oklahoma's drunk driving laws and to give victims a better voice in the court system. They wear purple and blue pins and bracelets to keep TC Lane and his values close.

"We look at this pin and this wristband and say, we can make a difference today," said Tom Lane.

Outside TC Lane's room at Stetson is a plaque with three words on it, summing up what he stood for and to serve as a lesson for others, learn, serve and lead.

Watch the video: University Pays Tribute To Student Killed By Drunk Driver