Natchez mother seeks drunk driving awareness after daughter dies in Concordia Parish crash

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - A mother who lost her teenage daughter in a crash last week said the problem runs deeper than one incident.

Michelle Baity, 17, and Jacob Bonnette, 19, died in Concordia Parish last week after the SUV they were riding in overturned. State police say impairment is a possible factor.

The driver, 18-year-old Gregory Steele, faces two counts of vehicular homicide and underage DWI.

As the community came together this week to remember both teens, Baity’s mother said she refuses to let her daughter’s death be in vain.

“Even though I’m going to miss my daughter dearly, I believe her purpose has just begun. I’ve already started contacting people, medical workers, community leaders who all agree we need to do something for them,” Sharon Baity said.

According to a national survey, rural teens drink at higher rates compared to those in large cities. For teenagers in their area, Baity’s mother said options for after-school and weekend activities can be limited.

“Our community is that way, there’s nothing here for our teenagers to do and that’s something I would like to see come out this for small towns to actually look at their teens, their youth, who are the future of their community and we need to provide them with something to do other than gather, drink, and party,” Sharon Baity said.

Natchez High School is hosting a three-week summer program for their students for career prep.

Click here for sign up.