One young life was buried, while another was sentenced to prison — all because of a poor decision to drink and drive. That scenario played out on Friday, April 26, during the second day on the biannual Every 15 Minutes program at Sedona Red Rock High School. The program is targeted toward high school students — especially those of driving age.
Someone died every 15 minutes in an alcohol-related accident when the nationwide program began in 1995, even though the numbers have improved over the years.
In the scenario, one group of teens were attending a party at a friend’s house. They decided to leave with senior Sebastian Byrdez behind the wheel. The other vehicle was full of fellow students, sharing their excitement about their upcoming prom.
Without warning, the two cars collided and neither Byrdez or Hayli Sizelove made it to their senior prom or graduation. Byrdez was arrested for driving under the influence and killing his friend and classmate.
The scene then shifted to a mock courtroom trial as Byrdez — wearing an orange Yavapai County Jail jumpsuit — was escorted onto the stage at the Sedona Performing Arts Center by Sedona police officer Jackie McQuaid. He was joined by Judge Mike Shaw, prosecuting attorney Lisa Weiler-Parsons and defense attorney Sebrina Shaw.
Byrdez faced the parents of Sizelove, as well as the other students injured in the accident.
“Yesterday, I saw a friend die in front of me,” said senior Hanna Edwards, who was injured in the accident. “There was nothing I could do. But today I can do something. It should have been you. You should have been the one who died. It’s not fair.”
For his role in the vehicular manslaughter, he was sentenced to four years in prison, given five years probation, loss of his driver’s license for a year, fined $2,740, required to attend classes and 100 hours of community service. That’s in addition to any future civil lawsuits filed by the victims of the accident.
“I want to say sorry to my friends and to the families of the friends I hurt,” Byrdez said, sitting in handcuffs next to his mother, Natalie. “I never realized a mistake like this would ripple through so many people’s lives. I’m sorry.”
In a video shot at Verde Valley Medical Center, Hayli’s parents, Kristin Sizelove and Mark Sizelove, arrived only to be told the grim news that their daughter had “died.” One of the most emotional parts of the program was when they read letters the following day to their daughter and what her loss means to them. This was preceded by a video photo montage of Hayli from an infant to her high school graduation photo.
“There will never be enough words to express my love for you,” Kristin said, fighting back tears. “You were the light of my life. You would have been the most beautiful bride. I’ll never see my grandchildren or get to see them in your eyes. My life will be darkened until I see you again. But I will see you again, someday, my angel.”
In his letter Mark said, “We are so unbelievably proud of you. You were on your way to greatness. Now, you’re gone. I can’t believe that I will never get to see that beautiful smile again. We were supposed to see you graduate next month and now we’re having to say goodbye. It’s not fair. The pain is so unbelievable — I don’t know what to do. I wish I could have seen you that morning and I could have hugged you. Fly with the angels.”
After the program was finished, the two said it was one of the most difficult things they have ever done.
“It was horrible — there was no acting,” Mark Sizelove said, noting that he had tear stains on the letter he read to Hayli. “We felt the emotions. It was a lot more real than I could have imagined. All week I had been thinking about it. Yesterday was the hardest, for sure. Seeing her in the hospital — it just seemed way too real.”
Kristin agreed and added, “There’s no way to prepare for something like that. But we are so very proud of her for volunteering for this program and hopefully it will help others.”
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
