IRISH comedian Stevo Timothy said he gave himself three choices while recovering in hospital after a drink-driving crash that killed his friend.
The 39-year-old killed his friend John Laffey 18 years ago after agreeing to drive him home under the influence.
Stevo, who had struggled with anxiety and alcoholism since he was a teenager, drove his motorbike to meet up with some friends for drinks.
He and John continued on into the early hours of the morning after the others had left and as they took off on the bike Stevo lost control and crashed.
The Galway native later woke up in hospital with two broken collar bones and unable to feel anything from the chest down.
He previously described finding out about John’s death: “I felt like absolute crap. I felt like I didn’t want to live.
“I felt like at that time if I was physically able to walk or to run I would have ended it.”
Looking back on the tragic accident and coping with the outcome, Stevo said he gave himself three choices for his future.
He said: “An accident like that really changes your perspective on life and possibly making the worst decisions you can in your life.
“Like when you’re sitting up in the National Rehab Hospital and you’re paralysed from the chest down and you’re naked and a man is showering you, that will really hep you reevaluate the decisions you’ve made in your life.
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“And I came up with three – one was to kill myself, the other one was to drink myself to death and the third one was to try and redeem myself.
“So I’m here to do that.”
Speaking to a decision he made that ended with the death of his friend, Stevo added: “I hid it and I was ashamed of it, embarrassed by it and I still am obviously but I’m a different person now to the 23-year-old with a drinking issue”.
The comedian, who is known for his Farmer Michael sketches, is now in a wheelchair and hopes to encourage others not to drink and drive.
Recalling his day in court after he was found him guilty of death by dangerous driving, Stevo told RTE’s Upfront: “The judge said he’d rather have me out there as a physical example of what not to do.”
Following his appearance on the show, Stevo shared a sweet selfie with John’s son Thomas Laffey and thanked his followers for their support.
In a heartfelt message he wrote: “I want to thank you all for the wonderful messages in relation to my appearance on @rteone Upfront last night.
“We have all made mistakes in life. Mine just happened to lead to devastating results.
“We are always one stupid decision away from drastically destroying ourselves or the lives of others, and I hope that speaking out it will make young lads think twice before following my footsteps.
“I passed on all your lovely sentiments to the Laffey family, and they thank you for the support.”
You’re Not Alone
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
You can also freephone the national Bereavement Support Line run by the HSE and Irish Hospice Foundation at 1800 80 70 77 (Monday-Friday 10am-1pm), and the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.
You can also contact Pieta House on their helpline at 1800 247 247, while people can also text HELP to 51444 to reach a counsellor.
