Deadly Decisions
     featuring Eric Krug

Ten years ago, Eric Krug was a standout baseball player at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was a typical college student...enjoying life, hanging out with friends and having a good time.  But this life that Eric knew came to an abrupt and horrific end on the night of April 11, 1997.

On that night, Eric Krug made a horrible choice.  He and one of his teammates got into a car that was being driven by a drunk driver.  In a tragic twist of irony, April 11, 1997 was Eric's 21st birthday.  Eric's baseball career, and his life as he knew it, ended that night.

The drunk driver crashed into a tree, killing Eric's teammate and leaving Eric in a coma, where he would remain for more than a year.  Life as Eric knew it was over.  As a result of the traumatic brain injury that Eric sustained, he lost most of his long term memory.  He can no longer remember the home runs he hit, the double plays he made, or even his high school prom.

As a result of the crash, Eric also lost the use of his right arm and no longer has the strength to walk on his own, without assistance.  This is Eric Krug's new "reality" - day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year.

Today, Eric Krug is 30 years old.  He no longer plays baseball.  He is on a bigger mission now.  He no longer saves games with clutch double plays.  Now Eric saves lives by sharing his powerful and inspirational story in high schools, colleges, churches, and military bases throughout the state of Georgia.

Eric's inspiring message is delivered through the voice of someone who has lived this horrible tragedy by his side, every step of the way.  Joyce Krug, Eric's mother and pillar of strength, gives Eric's presentation for him, with Eric at her side.  Eric would prefer to personally give the speech that he wrote but that's not possible.  Tragically, as a result of the drunk-driving crash, Eric Krug also lost his ability to speak.

The Krugs bring a DVD to show during their presentation that shows Eric before the crash, living his life to its fullest.  It also shows Eric's long and painful struggle after the crash.

The message is powerful.  The messenger is amazing.

Length of program:  45 minutes

Dear Ms. Krug,
My son is a sophomore at Kell High School and was present the day that you and your son came to Kell. He didn’t want to go to school that day. He said that he doesn’t do drugs and he didn’t see why he should have to go listen to speeches about staying away from drugs. My husband and I both insisted that he be in school that day even if some of his friends were planning on skipping. I tell you this because he really wasn’t in a good mood about the day.

He came home saying that your and your son’s story made the biggest impact on him and his friends as well. He said people were crying and I spoke with friends whose sons came home telling them your story. I’m writing to tell you how sorry I am that this accident happened to your son and changed his life and yours forever but thank you so much for the powerful impact you are having on these teens. Sometimes it seems hard to get through to this age kids but please know that your story and how you are telling it is really working!

Thank you so much to you and your son for coming to Kell High School and making a difference in the lives of our teens!

Sincerely,
Dana Kumpf
 

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