Terrance James Moriarty

As told by his mom, Evelyn

Terry died at 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2000.

He had worked Thursday night as a machinist at Summit Design in Helena. He was new to the job and he was so excited about his half of a part coming together that he called his mom on Friday morning and had his picture taken. He worked Friday night and took off for Missoula on Saturday in his car. No one knows why.

On his way back to Helena that night, Terry fell asleep and lost control of his Ford Escort. He was driving east on I-90 near Drummond. It's estimated that he was only traveling about 55 mph. He tried to correct, rolled twice and came to a stop in the passing lane.

A highway patrolman was driving east on I-90 on a routine patrol and was in the process of passing a truck when he became distracted by the flashing lights of a westbound semi truck. The officer looked toward the westbound semi and tried to figure out why it was flashing its lights and then his car slammed into Terry's car which was sitting broadside on I-90. The patrol car was traveling at approximately 68 mph. Blunt force trauma was the cause of Terry's death.

Terry was born in Great Falls, MT, and died at the age of 43. He was never married. He stood six foot and three inches tall and had a deep voice. His mom states that he was a real sweetheart when he was little. He attended the U of M in Missoula and the University of Idaho in Moscow. He enjoyed working on his computer and spending time with friends. He loved to ski and ride his motorcycle through Glacier Park. His dream was to own a Harley.

Several years after his death, Terry's mom and his sister visited the accident site. A highway patrolman pulled over to see what they were doing. It was the officer who had hit Terry. Evelyn told him she holds no blame in her heart toward him. She knew Terry had fallen asleep while driving and that the accident was not the patrolman's fault. When people ask Evelyn if she is mad at God, she tells them no. She feels Terry is at peace with God.

May 28, 1858 -

October 27, 2000