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Nebraska man turns tragic loss of his mother into a fight for safer roads
LINCOLN Neb. - A Southwest Nebraskan woman’s death 10 years ago still impacts change today.
Toby Antonson has said “One of the biggest challenges I have faced and continue to face every day, started on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. I will never forget this date. It was my mother’s day off, but she had been asked to train a new employee. At 3 p.m. on Highway 26, near Oshkosh, Neb., they met Edward Hood. It was the last meeting my mother would ever have.”
Antonson's home was busy, filled with the excitement of a new baby, his wife, mother-in-law, and young son going about their activities. When he was asked to run an errand to pick up food, Antonson gladly agreed to step out for a while. He returned home unaware of the tragedy about to unfold, he left his phone in the car and missed a call from his stepfather.
His stepfather, sounding upset, contacted Antonson's wife, Lisa, searching for him. The devastating news that followed changed everything. He was told his mom was gone.
In a state of shock, Antonson describes it as an out-of-body experience, with his wife, mother-in-law, and a four-year-old child moving about in a blur. Desperate for answers, he tried to gather more information, but all his stepfather could tell him was that there had been a car crash. As he hung up the phone, still reeling from the shock, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of more visitors eager to meet the new baby.
Concerned about his stepfather, who may have been alone, Antonson tried reaching out to their neighbors. Fortunately, he managed to contact a neighbor, who promptly checked on Antonson's stepfather at their ranch. Meanwhile, Antonson was determined to find out what had happened. However, he faced difficulties due to the incident occurring in a small town on a Saturday. Additionally, he had the daunting task of notifying his father and sister of the tragic loss.
The county attorney advised Antonson and his sister Courtney Milanovich to take their case to the attorney general, who inquired about their desired outcome and informed them that even with the previous offenses, they would be fortunate to receive a 12-year sentence. Unsatisfied with this, the siblings continued to fight for justice, not only for the loss of their mom but also for the safety of others.
The impaired driver, Edward Hood, a Wyoming man, had four DUIs in three different states.
“From what we know our mother was killed instantly. Her passenger survived but has a lifetime of challenges ahead. Her life will never be the same. None of ours will. As for Hood, he was sentenced for his crime in June of 2017,” said Antonson
Hood ultimately received a sentence of 49 to 50 years for motor vehicle homicide, 19 to 20 years for second-degree assault, and 5 years for driving under the influence with two prior convictions.
The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that a driver's refusal to submit to a chemical test is admissible as evidence in a DUI prosecution. Hood's trial took place on April 12, 2017, in Garden County District Court before Judge Derek Weimer. The Neb. Supreme Court later upheld Hood's convictions and 75-year prison sentence.
Antonson’s personal experience with drunk driving has led him to actively participate in impact panels organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The primary goal of these impact panels, according to Antonson, is not to shame individuals but to prevent repeat offenses and create awareness about the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. The offender responsible for his mother's death had an alarming record of four previous DUI offenses.
Antonson himself had a DUI ten years before his mother’s death, giving him the unique opportunity to relate to the offenders he shares with.
MADD's Victim Impact Panel program unites the criminal justice system and individuals affected by drunk driving incidents and underage drinking. Speakers, including victims and their families, first responders, or substance abuse representatives, share personal experiences to promote healing and raise awareness. The panels emphasize that drunk driving is a preventable choice with devastating consequences for innocent lives.
Attendance at these impact panels is typically court-mandated as part of the sentence. Attendees also contribute financially, with the collected funds being used by MADD to continue their mission of spreading awareness. For Antonson, participating in these panels is like therapy, providing an opportunity to heal and make a positive impact.
During these panels, offenders are given a firsthand look into the lives affected by DUI incidents. In Antonson's case, his son was only four years old, and his daughter was only just three days old when their grandmother tragically lost her life. Terry Hofer never had the chance to personally meet her granddaughter.
Reflecting on his own DUI incident, Antonson shared that when he was younger, he would joke about his car knowing its way home. However, the cost of his DUI far outweighed the expense of a taxi which at the time would have been $73. Now the same ride with an Uber only costs $18.
Terry Jo Hofer’s life was cut too short. She was ripped out of the lives of her children, grandchildren, husband, parents, siblings, relatives and friends. She was killed by a repeat offender, an addict who cared more about getting loaded than the safety and security of others.
This marked the 10th anniversary of his mother’s death. Antonson said that the milestone made this year tougher, but the family is always mournful. They will never forget her. Terry Jo Hofer is remembered by her loved ones as a vibrant woman full of life, who played many roles in the lives of those around her.
For him, it’s the little things… As a competitive pitmaster, Antonson says… “I’m a pretty darn good BBQ guy…. but I can’t bake a potato” He misses those calls to his mom just to ask her ‘How do you bake a potato?’