MADD asks to meet with Chiefs after 5-year-old critically injured in crash involving assistant coach Britt Reid
February 7, 2021
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mothers Against Drunk Driving has requested a meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs organization after two children were injured in a crash that involved Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid.
One of those injured in the crash – identified by family as 5-year-old Ariel – suffered severe brain trauma and has not woken up since being admitted to the hospital Thursday night. She is still listed in critical condition.
MADD national President Alex Otte said in a statement Saturday that the organization was “heartbroken” to learn about the crash and is demanding action by the Chiefs.
“The fact that this crash involved a coach from a team heading to the Super Bowl on Sunday is a stark reminder to every one of the dangers on America’s roadways on game day when 35% of all traffic deaths are alcohol related,” Otte said in the statement. “As part of MADD’s partnership with the NFL, we will double our efforts with the Kansas City Chiefs to ensure the entire organization, players, staff and its loyal fans understand the irreversible consequences and suffering caused by impaired driving.”
MADD leadership told KMBC 9 they already have a relationship with the Chiefs, working for the team’s rookies. “We have had a longstanding relationship with them and working with the rookies and coming to their facilities and sharing our message and our resources on never to drive impaired,” said Meghan Carter, a director of field operations for MADD.
Carter sent a letter to Chiefs leadership, asking for a meeting. “We’re hopeful this is going to be the start of an ongoing conversation with them to first talk about, you know, expanding the presentation we do to not just the rookies but to the entire team, to the entire organization to get that message out there, as well as work with them to get the message in the community,” she said.
“Our greatest concern really is for the 5 year old little girl Ariel who is still in the hospital and is fighting for her life,” MADD national President Alex Otte told KMBC 9. “Drunk driving is something, its doesn’t affect just you. It affects their entire family, their entire community, all of their friends at school.”
Otte is heartened by the community’s support through a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $200,000. “We’re so very thankful to the community for rallying around this family,” she said. She want everyone to remember that tragedies like this can be avoided. “It is 100% preventable and it is a choice, so its incredibly important that we reiterate that,” she said.
Kansas City police said the crash happened when a gray Chevrolet Impala ran out of gas on the southbound entrance ramp from Stadium Drive. The driver called his cousins for help, who parked south of the stranded car, with its lights on.
A white Ram Laramie Sport pickup was traveling on the entrance ramp to get on southbound Interstate 435. The Ram pickup hit the Impala and then slammed into the rear of the stopped Traverse.
The driver of the Impala was not hurt. The driver of the Traverse and the front seat adult passenger were not hurt.
Police said two children who were in the back seat of the Traverse were taken to hospitals. A 4-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A 5-year-old was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
ABC News reported that ESPN obtained the police warrant in the crash. According to a police officer’s statement, Reid acknowledged to police that he was driving the Ram Laramie Sport.
ESPN reported that according to the warrant, when an officer responded to the scene, “I made contact with Reid and could smell a moderate odor of alcoholic beverages emanating from his person and his eyes were bloodshot and red. When asked if he had been drinking, Reid advised he had two to three drinks.”
Reid also said he was on Adderall and was taken to Research Medical Center after complaining of stomach pain, ESPN reported.
The officer wrote that after arriving at the hospital, a field sobriety test was conducted and four clues of impairment were observed. Four vials of blood were drawn from Reid. The warrant also notes that Reid has “multiple prior DUI contacts,” ESPN reported.
The Kansas City Police Department told ABC News that an investigation of this nature would take at least a few weeks to conduct, meaning that if there are charges in this case, they will not be filed until after the Super Bowl.
Here is the complete statement from MADD:
“Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is heartbroken to learn that two innocent young children were injured, one critically, in a suspected drunk driving crash on Thursday night involving Kansas City Chiefs Outside Linebackers Coach Britt Reid. MADD is here to support the victims and their family through this incredibly shocking, devastating tragedy. Drunk driving is a violent, 100% preventable crime that kills more than 10,000 people each year and injures 300,000 more. The decision to drink and drive and put lives at risk must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law every time. No excuses or exceptions. The fact that this crash involved a coach from a team heading to the Super Bowl on Sunday is a stark reminder to everyone of the dangers on America’s roadways on game day when 35% of all traffic deaths are alcohol related. As part of MADD’s partnership with the NFL, we will double our efforts with the Kansas City Chiefs to ensure the entire organization, players, staff and its loyal fans understand the irreversible consequences and suffering caused by impaired driving.”
Reid did not travel with the team Saturday to Tampa for the Super Bowl, the team said. The NFL and MADD have had an official partnership since 2010.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the girl’s family to help raise money for medical expenses. The GoFundMe page description says Ariel’s mother is a single mom of three and will need assistance covering medical bills and time missed from work.
As of Sunday morning, more than $130,000 has raised for the family.