The following is the statement Alex Fray read on Dec. 4 in Cowlitz County Superior Court during the sentencing for Daren Bowlby, 59, of Castle Rock. Bowlby also pleaded guilty that day to vehicular homicide for the death of Brian C. Campbell, 57, of Salem.
"Your Honor,
My name is Alex, and I am writing to express the impact of losing my dad, Brian Campbell, to a drunk driving incident. I know you have heard so many of these statements before but this one is new. Three hundred and seventy seven days ago, as I got out from swim training, I received a call that shattered my world. Upon the news I instantly knew my life was irreversibly altered. My father, alongside his semi-truck, was in a wreck involving a drunk driver. I will never forget the way my body shook as I was driving to the hospital, with so many emotions happening all at once.
For almost two days, we remained by his side, clinging to hope. We prayed and hoped desperately for his recovery, only to face the heartbreaking reality of his passing on my 31st birthday. His injuries are forever burnt in my mind. The pure shock in everyone’s eyes when the doctor was explaining his injuries. The smell in the air as I watched him lay lifeless in a nasty hospital bed. The sadness on my little sister's face.
The anniversary of his death only reinforces the ongoing pain, a reminder of the void left in our lives.
Brian Campbell was more than just my father; he was a gentle soul with a robust spirit. Though his voice was often unheard, when he spoke it carried wisdom and love. He was a protector, a teacher, and a figure of strength for our family. I often say that he was the glue to our family. His love for his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews was profound and unconditional — a love they will no longer feel firsthand. His grandchildren speak of him often. They miss him so much and they can’t seem to understand why grandpa is just pictures, and a vase sitting on a shelf. Since his passing he has gained another grandson and another nephew.
May I ask who is going to explain the horror of his passing? They WILL have questions. I don’t want to be that person.
The emotional and psychological impact of his sudden death is indescribable. Grief has become a constant companion, shadowing every aspect of life. The echoes of his laughter, the tender heart beneath his rough hands, and his ability to bring joy and care to those he loved are deeply missed. He hated drama but loved politics. He had projects because he was bored, but fell asleep during loud family dinners. He loved order and cleanliness but had the most stuff than all the family combined. He was the whole package. But now he’s gone.
Attempting to distill the impact of his death into words feels impossible. Yet, it is vital to express that Brian was a vibrant human being with a life full of purpose. His absence is deeply felt, and the community he touched is irrevocably altered.
I will end with a statistic from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
'Every day, about 34 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 42 minutes. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.'
These deaths were all preventable.
Thank you for allowing me to share.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Fay"
