Principal Hit In Wreck Speaks About Recovery And Tougher Laws

Alive, but traveling a long road to recovery. As reported on ABC-7, Judith and George Foster, both principals in the area, were hit head-on by a drunk driver more than two weeks ago.

Judith, University Hills Elementary School Principal, who is bruised but recovering from a ruptured spleen at her home spoke exclusively with ABC-7?s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom Tuesday about the horrific life-changing night, and why she is pushing for tougher laws so it does not happen to someone else.

George, Desert Pride High School Principal, moved out of intensive care Tuesday, and is starting to talk and eat again on his own but has a long way to go, Judith said.

After escaping death and living to talk about it, Judith said the whole traumatic experience could have been avoided.

“It was totally unnecessary,” Judith said.

Days before Christmas, Judith said she and her husband are unnecessarily paying for a drunk driver?s irresponsibility.

“It is just really sad?because these laws are not either enforced or they’re not tougher,” Judith said.

The Fosters were traveling home along Stern Road when little did they know their lives would change in an instant. Nancy Moreno, 30, hit the couple head-on driving drunk and without a license, police said.

?It was a really, just really loud sudden stop and I had difficulty breathing, had impact from the airbag on my chest,? Judith said. ?But once I could breathe I realized I was going to be OK I turned to my husband and asked if he was OK, and he was semi-conscious at that point and he said, ?No, I’m not.??

The night of December 4th, Moreno had a Blood Alcohol Level nearly three times the legal limit, and was behind the wheel with two prior DWI convictions, police said.

“But why had action not been taken,? Judith said. ?Because had action been taken, she would not have been on the road that evening.”

Only a miracle could have kept her and George alive, and the community?s outpouring of love and support is making the healing process possible, Judith said.

After weeks on a ventilator, Judith said George remains in serious but stable condition at Mountain View Regional Medical Center. But it is the hope of seeing his youngest daughter, Ashley, marry the love of her life that is his motivation to regain his strength.

If George cannot physically attend Ashley?s New Year?s Eve wedding, Las Cruces Public Schools have offered to simulcast the wedding from his hospital room, so he will not miss his little girl?s big day.

“When he gets well after the wedding we’ll have to have another little reception so that he will get to dance with her, and he will walk her down the aisle,? Judith said.

At the upcoming January legislative session, Judith plans to do whatever she can to bring attention to tougher laws against drunk driving, she said.

“What’s happened has happened,? Judith said. ?But we need to prevent it from happening to other people.”