Get both sides of story in case of Gerty death




Get both sides of
story in case
of Gerty death


Michael Gerty will not be remembered by The Acorn article written on March 24, but for the wonderful human being he was for his 30 years of life.


Last Wednesday, approximately 500 friend and relatives turned out at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Oak Park to pay homage to Michael, where he was eulogized for his love of his fellow man, his big, friendly smile and how everyone was equal in his eyes.


The full story of what happened those early morning hours of March 18 may never be known. However, your article depicts a very negative picture of a fine young man that cannot and will not be allowed to end in this fashion. The Gertys are longtime and well-respected residents of Oak Park.


We have many questions that need to be answered and your article only paints one side of a very confusing tragic night. However, we do know that Michael was walking along Agoura Road around 2:30 a.m. when he was hit by a car and killed. Was the young woman who hit him celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at a local establishment and had she been drinking? She had a passenger with her. Was she distracted and not paying attention? Why could she not see in front of her when front headlights project about 50 feet? How fast was she driving? Why are there no skid marks? Did she not even slow down? Only what side of the road did the accident occur? Why did she not stop and call 911 or render assistance? Why did she go home and have her father call 911?


She left the scene of an accident and in most cases, this would be called "hit and run." Do you really believe they would call 911 if she hit an animal? When was her blood alcohol level tested and what are the results of her toxicology test? Why is her name not printed in the article since she is of legal age?


You should know there are always two sides of every story and this one isn’t finished yet. Michael Gerty was a good person and deserved better than your article.


Roger, Liz and Eric Ruhle


Oak Park



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