Ten years ago this month, there was a fatal boating crash near Old Forge. Keir Weimer, who was 23 at the time, operated a boat drunk and crashed into an island. Tiffany Heitkamp, 20, was killed in the crash, and others were injured. In this special report, our Iris St. Meran explains how the crash impacted Weimer's life and how he gained an unexpected ally.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Keir Weimer has a successful career in real estate.
"I run a real estate team,” Weimer explained, “So, I'm the president of that. I'm a partner of a firm in New York City that does commercial investing."
If his name sounds familiar it's because a decade ago he was behind the wheel of a boat that crashed into an island at Alger Island State Campground near Old Forge. He was drunk at the time and as a result of the accident, 20-year-old Tiffany Heitkamp was killed. Last Saturday, July 23rd, marked 10 years to the day.
"Having that come over the weekend, was very emotional and momentous for a number of reasons," he recalled.
He was 23-years-old when the crash occurred and had a prior history of DWI. He accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to second degree vehicular manslaughter in 2007 and was sentenced to a two-to-six year prison term.
"So much has happened in the 10 years and so much has happened in the five years since I was released on May 23 of 2011,” Weimer added, “My life is driven by the gratitude, by giving back, by doing the right thing."
He's completely sober and now is an advocate to stop others from going down a similar path he once did.
"To really reach young people in high schools and Stop DWI programs, in institutions, in rehabilitation programs, anywhere where the message can resonate with people who are vulnerable who are abusing, who are likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, people who are just starting to drive," said Weimer.
Over the last year and a half, he's gained an unlikely ally when spreading this cautionary message, Tiffany Heitkamp's mother, MaryJo Heitkamp-France. He calls it a blessing to work with her.
"It's a very unique voice to have one of an ex-offender and one of the victim's family come together and actually want to collaborate and want to work together and we're building a partnership that's a strong one," Weimer said.
Weimer said time hasn't made any of this easier, but he hopes by being open and honest it can save a life.
For nearly a decade, MaryJo Heitkamp-France has been pushing legislation that would increase penalties for repeat drunk driving offenses, whether it be on land of water. The Tiffany Heitkamp Law recently passed the senate and assembly.