Bachelor 19 - Chris Soules - Discussion - #3

@Kashathediva That's a great article.

@Kashathediva thanks.

I'm sorry but growing up in the area I did, even knowing tractors will be out and watching for them does not mean that you can't run up on one before you know it.  Nor does it mean its easy to see with or without lights no matter what time of day, bright light or dark. We don't know road conditions, was it a straight of way, curved road, etc., because all that IMO factors in.  

Other than that, I'm refraining from commenting until all the facts are in.  Because as much as I'd like to think I'd do the right thing in the situation, stay not run in horror at what I had helped cause, etc., I've thankfully never been in the situation so I can't say for sure.  But I know many that have and heard plenty of stories. I can't imagine the guilt and shock he was feeling nor the panic at seeing the victim in whatever condition he was in.  Not excusing any behavior and he should be held accountable for all wrong doing, but I still feel empathy for him and lots of sympathy for his family, the victim and the victims family.

JMO

In no way, shape or form does anyone know what transpired at that scene but the parties involved.
The authorities will try to piece together data to determine what actually occurred.
I am actually sitting at my keyboard shaking with emotion as I type this, that anyone here could possibly presume that they would know what happened.
That thought actually sickens me personally to the point, I can't even see straight.
So hopefully I am going to walk away for a bit.
I'm going to leave everyone with one last visual. Those crash test dummies. Those crash test dummies on a tractor. Now you see him. Now you don't. Maybe bits of him.

@Ladybug82 your still the bug. And I'd still follow you anywhere.

@Ladybug82 Good post.

This is a reminder that we are not accusing anyone in a criminal manner. Opinions are welcomed however we follow the rules when it comes to labelling.

No labelling or describing any one in a criminal manner or describing your opinions in a criminal matter or accusing someone of criminal activity.
Rules

Ladybug82 wrote:I'm sorry but growing up in the area I did, even knowing tractors will be out and watching for them does not mean that you can't run up on one before you know it.  Nor does it mean its easy to see with or without lights no matter what time of day, bright light or dark. We don't know road conditions, was it a straight of way, curved road, etc., because all that IMO factors in.  

Other than that, I'm refraining from commenting until all the facts are in.  Because as much as I'd like to think I'd do the right thing in the situation, stay not run in horror at what I had helped cause, etc., I've thankfully never been in the situation so I can't say for sure.  But I know many that have and heard plenty of stories. I can't imagine the guilt and shock he was feeling nor the panic at seeing the victim in whatever condition he was in.  Not excusing any behavior and he should be held accountable for all wrong doing, but I still feel empathy for him and lots of sympathy for his family, the victim and the victims family.

JMO

Regarding the bolded, yes we do. Anyone can check on Google maps and it's a ruler straight flat road. Road conditions are obviously more of a mystery. In any case, there's a picture of the crash site the following day in this article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4446386/Relative-man-killed-crash-Soules-DEFENDS-him.html

ETA: FWIW I wasn't accusing Chris, just talking in general about how I hold people responsible for their own bad decisions. Chris's decisions are obviously not known at this time apart from leaving the scene.

We are all different and have our own opinions.  Some are sympathetic towards Chris, some aren't, and some are neutral.  I'm just having a hard time with alcohol being found at the site of the crash.  Some articles say it was open.  That is certainly gnawing at me this morning.  I would feel more sympathy towards Chris if alcohol was not even in the picture.  I could even have some sympathy if he was texting while driving (although it is extremely dangerous), but the alcohol really, really bothers me, if in fact, it was open.

Was it a paved road if skid marks are involved. I grew up in rural Iowa on the other side of the state and gravel roads are very common and can be very treacherous. It is also very common to see tractors and combines on 2 lane highways. They typically move very slow and don't always have lights.

Yes of course accidents happen and any of us can be accidentally responsible for a tragedy, but to have open alcohol in your car when you already have had run-ins with the law over drinking and driving? That is no accident imo and deserves no sympathy or compassion imo.

Ladybug82 wrote:I'm sorry but growing up in the area I did, even knowing tractors will be out and watching for them does not mean that you can't run up on one before you know it.  Nor does it mean its easy to see with or without lights no matter what time of day, bright light or dark. We don't know road conditions, was it a straight of way, curved road, etc., because all that IMO factors in.  

Other than that, I'm refraining from commenting until all the facts are in.  Because as much as I'd like to think I'd do the right thing in the situation, stay not run in horror at what I had helped cause, etc., I've thankfully never been in the situation so I can't say for sure.  But I know many that have and heard plenty of stories. I can't imagine the guilt and shock he was feeling nor the panic at seeing the victim in whatever condition he was in.  Not excusing any behavior and he should be held accountable for all wrong doing, but I still feel empathy for him and lots of sympathy for his family, the victim and the victims family.

JMO

It was a clear evening and still light out when it happened on a flat and straight stretch of road. If it was curvy, hilly, etc. it would make a lot more sense to me how it can happen.

I know the area, but you can also see it in the link I posted before in the video they have aerial shots. I can't speak for what happened other than what has been reported but IMHO he had to have been distracted/impaired to hit the tractor as hard as he did in the clear conditions.

I don't think open containers of alcohol necessarily prove he was drunk, but if he wasn't drinking at all, then he could've easily removed all doubt by simply cooperating with the police. Even if he panicked and left the scene, he could've opened the door once they came to get him. He created this doubt by hiding for hours and I for one will probably always wonder, even if he's never convicted of anything. It is what it is.