Natalie Marti's life was forever altered on the night of February 27, 2003. Natalie, her husband Shawn, and their daughter Sage were heading home after visiting family. While traveling on the interstate a drunk driver collided with their car at a speed of 98 mph. The impact instantly killed Shawn and Sage and destroyed their car. Natalie was found at the site barely breathing and was rushed to the hospital where she fell into a coma. The severity of her traumatic brain injury caused the doctors to doubt her survival. If she were to live, she could be both physically and mentally disabled.
After three weeks in a coma, Natalie slowly regained consciousness. Natalie spent time in therapy and was able to regain her physical and mental strength. Despite her miraculous recovery, the wound created by the violent act of drinking and driving can never be healed.
The drunk driver was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and one count of aggravated driving. He received a thirteen year fixed sentence with a forty year maximum in the Idaho state prison.
Natalie began speaking to audiences of all ages in 2004. She has shared her inspirational and heart-rending story of recovery and hope, urging all to avoid drinking and driving. She hopes that by sharing her story she might prevent others from feeling the painful effects that drinking and driving can have as well as give inspiration to those who might also feel the pain and anguish of losing someone.
