Family and friends remember the man who died in a traffic accident under the influence of alcohol in the Büchel district

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Friends and family of a man who died in a drunk driving crash in Buechel Township gathered Thursday to remember him by releasing balloons.

The memorial service was organized by colleagues of 42-year-old Leonard “Ronnie” Nance at the U.S. Postal Service on Gardiner Lane, where he worked for more than 20 years.

Nance's sister, Cherita Hughes, describes him as soft-spoken and soft-hearted.

“My brother was such a kind-hearted person,” she said. “He just loved life, he can be quiet and reserved, but he loved being with family and friends.”

Hughes says Nance loved his job, loved gardening with his mother and loved sports, especially football. They released blue and orange balloons in honor of his favorite team, the Denver Broncos.

On Sunday evening, Nance and 45-year-old Wimpy Myers II were seriously injured in a car crash at the corner of Breckenridge Lane and Redding Road.

According to the LMPD traffic unit, the car was traveling north at a high rate of speed when Myers lost control, crossed into the southbound lane and then crashed into a utility pole and a tree.

According to court documents, Myers' blood alcohol level was 0.221 percent, more than two and a half times the legal limit.

Both were taken to UofL Hospital, where Nance succumbed to his injuries.

“I just couldn't believe it,” Hughes said. “It hurt me so much because he's my little brother and he was just so special, he was such a special person.”

Myers is now charged with murder, criminal damage and driving under the influence of alcohol. He will appear in court for arraignment on Friday morning.

Hughes described the incident as a tragic accident.

“It was a friend of his, and from what I understand, the young man was going through a difficult time,” Hughes said. “My brother, being a kind-hearted person, actually spent time with him to encourage him.”

During this difficult loss, it was comforting to be surrounded by so many people whose lives her brother had touched, Hughes said.

“To see that and to see that people see him the way I do is just incredible,” Hughes said. “It eases the pain a little more knowing that he affected people the way he affected me.”

All rights reserved.