Since last Thursday I have been covering the Dwight family that was killed by a drunk driver. Amanda Jahn and her two small children, died after their car was hit by another vehicle just outside of Mazon. For the full story on Tuesday's coverage see today's paper.
I've been particularly torn up by this story not only because of the husband and father, Josh Jahn's tragic loss, but because of the realization it has given me that this could happen to any of us at any time.
After the funeral Tuesday Josh held a press conference. As I was writing down everything he was saying I couldn't look him in the eye. Not because he was rude or unwelcoming to the press, but because his kindness to us under the given circumstances floored me and almost brought me to tears all over again.
Josh had no obligation to talk to the press, let alone on the day of his family's funeral.
The Chicago and local media, including myself, have been bombarding his neighborhood and church and some even Josh himself. (I am proud to say I did not call Josh or show up on his doorstep.) He could have easily ignored the calls or walked past the cameras Tuesday, but he didn't.
He used this opportunity to get the message out that drinking and driving kills. And that everyone should take the easy route and just call a cab or a friend after having too much of a good time.
What also amazed me about Josh is he didn't give us a statement and leave. He took individual questions and spent time with each reporter afterward. I was the last to speak with him one on one.
By this time I had become very nervous and emotional. Josh's wife was just two years older than me and they had just started their young family. Although they were a little ahead of me, they were in the middle of a path in life I have just started on by moving in with my boyfriend and talking of marriage.
At 8 p.m. on a Thursday I am often driving home from work and this could have just as easily been me who was killed or me burying the love of my life.
As my hands shook and I spoke to fast it was obvious to Josh that I was uncomfortable. And instead of cutting me off and telling me he had to go, or just telling me to hurry up, he calmly took my hand and held it. He told me it was OK and to slow down.
The man who lost his whole family was comforting me.
At this point I became even more distraught because I was ashamed of myself for not sucking it up and getting it together. I think Josh picked up on this too. As I asked him questions he answered me and in between asked me about myself. He asked about my career, where I'm from and how I got into journalism.
By the end of the conversation I had asked everything I had planned to and a little more smoothly. Although I probably still talked a little too much and a little too fast. Maybe it helped Josh to talk about something else for just a few minutes or maybe he just wanted to calm me down so he could move on.
Either way in my career I have never encountered such an intuitive, thoughtful and selfless man. And judging by his description of his wife in today's story, I imagine that Amanda was his perfect match.
Please continue to keep the Jahn family in your thoughts and prayers.
Mallory Medved is an assistant managing editor of weekly publications for
the Sun-Times News Group. She helps cover the Lincoln-Way area and towns
southwest of Joliet. Being naturally nosy has led her to a career in
journalism and fulfilled her dream of getting paid to read. Being a new
homeowner and a future bride, she's also perpetually broke, but enjoys
hearing about other people in the same situation. She lives in Plainfield
but is a native of New Lenox.
Christina Chapman is a Will County resident who desperately wants to live in Grundy County. But since she lost that battle with her boyfriend when they bought a house, she makes due covering Grundy County news for The Herald News in Joliet. When not covering municipal meetings, school events and finding the truth behind the latest coffee talk, she is trying to balance life as a young home owner who is fighting the stereotype that she is living in sin because she is not yet married. She hopes to share with you her perspective on life and the news in hopes that you’ll share yours.
Maybe there is a reason you were sent to cover this, other than the obvious one...sometimes we need a reminder that life is much shorter than we think it is and that we need to tell the people we love that we love them as often as we can. My thoughts are with this family too...
I`m on the fire department with Josh in Dwight. I can speak from experience that Josh is truly one of the best men, husband, and father you could ever ask for. He has been on our department for about 3 years I believe, and you wouldn`t find anybody that would have anything negative to say about him. I know our firefighter family is hurting with and for Josh during this time. Please continue to pray for his and Mandy`s family.
I am also on the fire department with Josh, and a while back Josh and Ryan were up the the station and Ryan was pretending to drive the fire truck and I asked Ryan "are you going to be a fireman like daddy' and Ryan responded "yep" and Josh's smile was something you cannot explain unless you were there with them. I have to say I sit back and watch things a lot and before this tragedy happened, I saw Josh and his wife Mandy and two children Ryan and Kaitlyn at the Kiddie water fights at Harvest Days and I saw a family with so much love for each other and that is something I will never forget. I am also so proud to have had the chance to meet Josh and his family and I will never forget them and I will always be here for Josh as well as will his entire fire dept. Family. and please continue to pray for his and Mandy;s family.
I was friends with Mandy, I played violin with her. I played violin for their wedding in 2000 and I've been trying to keep myself from crying at work all day. I see the comments from the fire fighters that know Josh and I just want to repeat everything that has been said about this family. They are incredible people. It is ridiculous that this happened but I hope this renews the concerns about drunk driving. I hope the laws are looked at, I hope people examine themselves and don't drive, even if they've had just one. The world is worse off without Mandy and her beautiful kids, but hopefully their story and this message will improve other people's lives. We can pray for that at least.
I do not know this family at all, and I am crushed!
I have been married for 15 years, and have two kids: 11 and 8. My worst nightmare is to get that phone call that something has happened; at school, at home, in our family car. I cannot imagine the pain this man must be going through.
Something MUST be done about people who drink alcohol, then decide to get behind the wheel of a car, and then kill someone.
Jeff, as a father myself my heart also aches for Mr. Jahn. I wholeheartedly agree that something needs to be done, especially in beefing up the consequences for repeat DUI convictions. I am letting my State Representative and State Senator know that the Jahn family tragedy, along with others, is a sign that the DUI laws on the books in Illinois are weak and lack teeth when it comes to keeping repeat DUI offenders off the roads. Repeat offenses need to result in significant prison time, even if no one is injured or killed. There's just no other way to keep people who are clearly dangerous off the roads. Please contact your state legislators and make your voice heard as a parent.
I did not know this family but I can say a few things. First, Josh you have amazing faith. Josh please know many who do not even know you are praying for you, your family and Mandy's family/friends. Second, you can see from the pictures that Mandy was a beautiful person not only outside but within. Her smile is vibrant. Your children were precious. Finally, I would be willing and available to help lobby for tougher laws on drinking and driving. Josh, you are an amazing and faithful man.
I do not know any member of the Jahn family. After reading the papers and hearing about this tragedy, Josh's relationship with God, the Church they attended and the way in which Josh Jahn handled things - I know one thing. Josh Jahn has made me realize many things about my family and my life. I will strive to be a better person for my family and my community. I will strive to begin a relationship with a church and hope to build a relationship with God. I am not a bad person, but I know I could be better having heard what Josh Jahn is like. I honor this man for the ability to be intuitive, thoughtful and selfless as described by Christina Chapman. May God bless everyone touched by this family's story. Josh Jahn you are an admirable human being.
I also lost my Wife, Son and Daughter to a "HIGHWAY TERRORIST" years back. I can relate to this mans sorrow. It is ironic as to hearing on the scanner, I was working as a rookie Police Officer and heard it all on our radio.
I found out it was my family via a Sgt. who call me back to the Station. My second wife and I have just retired with 45 years in E.M.S and saw more of this needless death and injury.We also did C.I. Stress De-briefing. I speak at Victim Impact Panels in the surrounding area. Josh, we have a lot in common on this,never gets better. There is one thing I learned that helps.At a seminar I attended for C.I.S.D., a Minister commented" How boring Heaven must be if there were only old souls were there." Keep this thought in mind,it has a consoling effect.
Bill Dikant, Victim Advocate,
Castleton, N.Y. 12033
P.S. If you want ask Ms.Chapman for my E-mail if you wish.
I did'nt personally know the Jahn family, but after reading some of these comments and the ones posted on Cafemom.com-where mandy was a member-i feel a connection with them, somehow. I have a 15 month old daughter and after reading about this senseless tragedy, it has made me a better mother to my daughter, cause i sit and think that it could happen to any of us. I to am going to write,call & E-mail my local governments here in Indiana about stiffer laws on repeat offenders. That lady should have never been allow on the streets again after all her offenses. To Josh: I think about about your beautiful family and feel very deep sorrow and hope time will heal the pain.
I did not know her but I have heard so much about her on cafemom. There is alot of people on there everyday posting about what happened to her and the babies and wanting people to pray. Everyone on cafemom is so torn up about it because she was one of us a cafemom member.
My heart goes out to the Jahn family. I just read about this tragedy on Cafemom, where Amanda was a member.
I can't help but cry because I to have 2 boys about the ages of her baby's and it rips my heart out to know that this is something that can happen to anyone, anywhere. DUI drivers need to understand that THIS HAS TO STOP! It's not fair that someone else's family has to die because a drunk driver didn't know when to put down their drink. I'm really sorry, it just really saddens me and angers me at the same time. She was so young and her kids had a long life ahead of them.
Josh, it sounds like your an awesome man and I pray God keeps you safe. I will be praying for you and Mandy, and of course for the 3 angels that are now in a safer and happier place.
On Cafemom, we were told that you need help financially for the funerals.....I don't know if we can post it....we'd love to help.
God Bless
I followed a link to this article from Cafe Mom, where one of our members posted of the loss to our community.
Losing a family member to a senseless murder (and this is exactly that - murder) is the absolute worst thing that can happen to you. I lost my youngest brother 2 1/2 years ago to a senseless, random act of violence and I still cry about it every day. To lose more than one - I can't imagine the numbing pain.
My heart goes out to Josh and to Mandy's family. It doesn't get better, but it does get easier to breathe and to function after a while. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart and prayers go out to the Jahn family. I am also a member of Cafe Mom and although I did not know Amanda I was devastated by the senseless loss of a young mother and her children. Josh I will pray for you to have strength trought this tragic time. May God Bless You.
I too, fallowed the links to here. oh gosh, even being a month ago & just now reading of this terrable loss of such a beautiful young mommie & wife, absolutely crush's my heart & myself being a Grandma of 12 grandbabies,wrips my soul as I looked at the faces of this young families precious beautiful tiny Angels. This is ALL just so senseless. My prayers remain with this family, not ever to be forgotten & IN GOD'S LOVE, MY LOVE IN OUR GLORIOUS SAVIOR IS SUROUNDING THIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS & KEEP YOU ALL.
NOW FOR THE PERSON, WHO TOOK THEIR LIVES. WITH ALL OF THE TIMES SHE HAS NOT BEEN CAUGHT DRIVING WHILE DRUNK, ONE CHARGE, IS ONE TO MANY. SECOND CHARGE DUI WHILE HER LISCENCE IS UNDER SUSPENSION?? FIRST THING TOMARROW MORNING, MY EX-DAUGHTER-IN-LAW IN SOUTH DAKOTA, WILL GO FOR SENTENCING FOR HER SECOND or THIRD DUI & A COUPLE OF DRUG POSESSION CHARGES {METH}. SHE IS ONLY LOOKING AT 60 DAYS?? HER RECORDS SHOW THAT SHE IS A HIGH RISK OFFENDER. SHE IS THE MOTHER OF 3 OF MY GRANDBABIES, AGES-6-4-3. SOUTH DAKOTA LAW IS AWARE SHE HAS NO LISCENCE, HAS NO CAR SEATS FOR THE 2 OLDER BOYS, HAS BEEN CAUGHT WITH METH IN THE SAME CAR AS THESE BABIES RIDE IN & WAS CHARGED WITH POSSESION OF METH. CPS KNOWS OF THIS, THE LAW KNOWS OF THIS, & THE COURTS KNOW OF THIS. JUST LOST HER JOB FOR HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE BOSSES HUSBAND FOR HER ADDICTION TO METH. MY SON HAS TAKEN HER TO COURT FOR CUSTODY, MIND YOU HE'S CLEAN & SOBER,HE LOVES HIS SONS, CPS DOES NOTHING,& THE JUDGE IS WAITING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS TOMARROW WITH HER SENTENCING BEFORE HE REVERSES CUSTODY.
TO THE WOMAN WHO MURDERED THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG FAMILY, IN COLD BLOOD, YOU REPRESENT ALONG WITH MY EX-D-I-L, ALL OF THE OTHER DRUNKS BEHIND THE WHEELS TO POTENTIALLY MURDER AGAIN, WITH THAT, WE REPRESENT THE INNOCENT GRANDPARENTS,MOMS,DADDIES, WIVES,HUSBANDS,DAUGHTERS,SONS,& OUR BABIES & OUR GRANDBABIES.
YOU ALL HAVE TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, AND BE PUT AWAY FOR REPEAT ACTIONS, FOR THE SAFETY OF SOBER & SENSABLE GOD LOVING, FAMILY LOVING PEOPLE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME & SPACE HERE, THIS JUST NEEDS TO ALL COME OUT, PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS MY BELIEF & IN MY OPINION.
GOD BE WITH THIS PRECIOUS FAMILLY, IN ALL OF THEIR DAYS TO COME, LORD KEEP THEM JOINED IN LOVE & STRENGHT THROUGH THE DAYS TO COME. IN GOD'S LOVE, FOR ALWAYS, KELLY MCGLADE
my heart go's out to this poor man for the love of his lovely wife and babies. I could not imagine losing one let alone three. May God help keep you strong.
I also followed this link from cafemom.... I do not know anyone in this family ... but the loss of a child I do know... I lost a son 16 yrs ago he was 4 yrs old to a fire.... so loss of a child is unbearinly hard ... I can not imagine to loss of my whole family at one time ... I comend this young man for his strength during this horrible event . I just hope his message DOEs get out and the people who make the coice to drive while drinking will read this story and make a better choice the next time ... I am adding this man and his family to a prayer list .... May God continue to keep him strong and make sure the person who did this pay !
I'm also a mom from CAFEMOM, when,I heard of terrible accident, I cried and it hurt so bad, I felted like this was my sister and nephew and neice. My prayers and thoughts are with Mr. Josh and all of the family and church family.
I first heard about this tragedy on Cafemom when it happened, and ever since, I have had this family in my thoughts and prayers. I do not know the family personally but think of the Jahn family often and after reading through the articles and posts, I know that he has so much needed support. I guess I just want him to know, even if he may never read this post personally, that people like me are thinking of him. Drinking and Driving has to stop! There isn't an excuse in the world to get behind the wheel after drinking. My heart goes out to you Mr. Jahn and all of the other victims, here and gone, of Drinking and Driving. God Bless
I knew Mandy from CafeMom and I have not made a single drive yet that i'm not thinking of her family. On New Year's Day while driving home, we were behind a car that was most obviously NOT "all there". I wanted to keep another tragedy like theirs from happening and called 911 and then followed that car for miles warning traffic around us to stay back until the police took over. If it wasn't for Mandy's story, I might not have thought twice to pass them!
Heaven is overflowing with innocent angels and it's so brave of Josh to be able to hold himself together and use this tragedy as a medium to get the word out about drunk drivers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community.
God Bless