John Nathan Dool, 40, was arrested after the Sunday evening crash that killed Curtis Van Deist, 80, and Catherine Van Deist, 66.
HOUSTON — The son of a Houston-area couple killed after being hit by an alleged drunk driver is speaking exclusively with KHOU 11 News about the life of love his parents built.
On Sunday, July 13, Curtis Van Diest, 80, and his wife, Catherine Van Diest, 66, were in a white Cadillac XT5 heading northbound on Magnolia Cove Drive. When they pulled out of a stop sign at the intersection of West Lake Houston Parkway, John Nathan Dool, 40, Dool slammed into them with his pickup truck, according to HPD.
The couple died at the scene. Dool was taken to a hospital to be treated and tests showed he was impaired. He was later charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter.
The crash happened just a day before their 21st wedding anniversary, their eldest son, Nicolas Corwin, said.
“My mom and, and Curtis met, through a dating service before the digital age. It’s called Great Expectations,” he said.
For more than 20 years, the couple lived up to that name.
“The life they led together was, was just just magic,” Corwin said.
The couple was on their way to an anniversary dinner when they were killed.
“I’m still struggling with the idea that my mom and stepdad are gone,” Corwin said.
He believes this crash wasn’t just the result of one man’s reckless decision, but also the fault of a dangerous intersection.
“There was just absolutely nothing that my parents could have done to avoid this,” he said.
Now in mourning, Corwin is pushing for changes. He’s urging others to think before they drive under the influence and calling on city leaders to make intersections like the one at Magnolia Cove safer.
“After crying for four days, sometimes there’s just not enough tears left,” he said.
When asked what he wants the community to remember, Corwin said: “They based their life on serving others. They carried out the mission of the church.”
Curtis, a recently retired Marine, and Catherine, a longtime teacher, shared a love that many aspire to find.
“As tragic as it is, I’m glad they went together,” Corwin said. “Because them living without one another would be so hard.”