Heavener Family Remembers Father, Son Killed by Teen Driver

A LeFlore County family remembered a father and his infant son Wednesday. The two died in a car crash last year. The son would have turned 2-years-old on Halloween.

“We have come out here every holiday and every birthday for him and Eric,” said Joey Watkins, a relative.

Watkins celebrated his grandson’s birthday at a cemetery in Heavener, Oklahoma on Wednesday.

“A lot of days are like nightmares,” said Watkins. “You have a lot of sleepless nights. You have a lot of regrets.”

On June 17, 2011 a car crash killed Eric Watkins, 21, and his 7-month-old son, Bryor. Watkins lost his son and only grandchild that day.

“There’s a lot of unanswered questions,” said Watkins.

An 18-year-old drunk driver hit the family head on in Rogers County, Oklahoma outside Tulsa. Bryor would have turned 2-years-old this Halloween.

“Don’t drink and drive,” said Watkins. “Right out here is proof of what will happen.”

Eric’s wife, Ginger Watkins, Bryor’s mom, was also in the car that day. She survived. “Some days it’s good,” said Ginger. “Some days it’s bad.”

Birthdays are difficult.

“That smile would just glow my whole world,” said Ginger.

A judge sentenced the driver, Keaton Hannah, to 20 years in prison.

“I think justice needs to be served,” said Watkins. “20 years for killing a 21-year-old and seven and a half month old baby is not enough.”

The Watkins family says Hannah is scheduled for a hearing next year. They’re worried he may get out of jail early.