EDITOR’S COLUMN | Let mourning have its moment before justice

Published 2:42 pm Tuesday, February 17, 2015

A Freeland man was killed in a head-on collision Saturday evening, struck by what police suspect was a drunk driver.

His name was Tim Keil.

In the 10 years I’ve been in the news business, I’ve covered plenty of tragedies — too many for such a short period. One would think I might have learned something along the way, some wisdom to pass on to a community wracked with grief. But as I write this column Tuesday morning, I realize I’ve got nothing, no wisdom, no beautiful words, only a solemn wish that I did.

Like anyone else, I know only that Keil’s death was senseless. Awful. It was a mistake that never should have happened. In an instant, his life was taken and the lives of so many others were altered in ways most of us simply can’t appreciate.

Since the collision, a host of people have offered their thoughts, their grief, their prayers, their heartbreak and their anger in online comments on The Record’s website. Many want answers. Many want justice. Who can blame them?

The driver of the other vehicle, Clinton resident Michelle Nichols, is suspected of being under the influence and is under investigation by state police for vehicular homicide. That the conversation would turn to fault and punishment was no surprise. It always does.

I don’t know that anyone can really say that such discussion is unwarranted. A man died. Why and what will happen next is certainly relevant.

But, as several people noted online, the evidence is still being gathered. Speculation, rumor and unfounded statements of guilt are rarely useful. People are mad, and rightfully so, but there will be plenty of time in the weeks and months ahead for justice, particularly if Nichols is formally charged and tried for vehicular homicide.

Perhaps, at least this week, we should all let South Whidbey grieve and process what has happened. In particular, let’s remember Tim. He was a father, a husband, a grandfather and by all accounts, a gentle and kind soul.

The man was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, was active in His Hands Extended (a program that helps Seattle’s needy) and was dedicated to helping suffering alcoholics achieve sobriety.

The loss of Keil is indeed a loss for all South Whidbey.