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Lee-Davis crash victim’s brother: ‘You are not invincible’

Posted at 9:19 PM, May 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-22 00:18:20-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Lee-Davis High School held their prom at the Richmond Convention Center Saturday night without one of their own.

Senior Dylan Ballard was a passenger in a deadly single-vehicle car wreck April 23, 2016. He was one of two people who died at the scene in Hanover County.

D.J. Ballard, Dylan's brother, said alcohol was involved in the crash.

He made a video speaking about his brother’s death and how he believes it could have been prevented.

Ballard used prom season as an appropriate time to share his video message with teens.

Dylan Ballard

Dylan Ballard

He wants people to hear the pain in his voice and know drinking and driving are a deadly combination.

“Losing a family member, it’s not easy. Be safe. Please don’t drink and drive. Just say ‘no’ if the opportunity comes or if you see somebody else say, ‘Hey, look don’t do this,’” he warns.

D.J. Ballard

D.J. Ballard

Ballard said people are watching his video, but wants even more to see it so they don’t have to feel the pain he lives with every day.

A still from Ballard’s video.

A still from Ballard’s video.

“My final memory of my brother will be looking at him in a casket at just the age of 17," Ballard said in the video.

Watch Ballard's emotional video in the player below.

SHARE on social media to SPREAD Ballard's message.

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