We remember Katie Decubellis after 25 years

NARRAGANSETT, RI (WLNE) — It’s been 25 years since a young Narragansett girl was killed by a drunk driver, and since then her parents have made it their life’s mission to educate people about the dangers of drunk driving and substance abuse.

John and Meg Decubellis’ daughter, 13-year-old Katie, was hit by a drunk driver while riding in a car with her friend Becky and Becky’s mom, Marsha Bowman.

Marsha Bowman also died in the crash.

“She was just an incredible person who was always thinking of others,” John Decubellis said of his daughter.

“It feels like forever, but it also feels like it was only yesterday,” John said. “That moment, that day, you never know it’s going to be the last time you actually see her, and I’ve been replaying it in my mind for 25 years, I don’t think I’ve forgotten a single detail.”

This September, Katie would have celebrated her 38th birthday.

“We’ve had wonderful wonderful times, we’ve been very blessed by all the rest of our family and everything that’s happened to us, but there’s always a void where Katie isn’t a part of it, so it’s often bittersweet, but don’t go away , – said John. “We think about Katie every day, we deal with it every day.”

John said he and his wife have spoken to thousands of people over the past 25 years about the dangers of drunk driving. Kathy Decubellis Memorial Fund.

“Hopefully if one of the 200,000+ people we’ve spoken to makes a better decision, then the deaths of Kathy and Marsha Bowman are not in vain and that’s why we do what we do,” John said.

It’s the family’s way of keeping Katy’s legacy and spirit alive.

Through the foundation, they have donated nearly $500,000 in scholarships and prizes.

“I think because of all the support, we’ve achieved a lot together over the last 25 years, and we couldn’t have done it alone, and we’re just so grateful to everyone,” he said.

The man convicted of murdering Katie Decubellis and Marsha Bowman has been released from prison.

John said that while he doesn’t deserve forgiveness, if he makes his community a better place, the door is always open to that forgiveness, but says he’s not sure if he’s earned it.