Father killed by drunk driver leaves message for daughter

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- 10-year-old Katelyn Lay was the only survivor in a head on crash that involved a drunk driver, now she has a message for those who drink and get behind the wheel.

February 3, 2017 was a day Katelyn will never forget. She was asleep in the car while her dad, John Lay, drove down Highway 411 in Loudon County. Another driver was intoxicated and cross the lanes and hit them head on. John later died from his injuries, but Katelyn survived.

She celebrated her 10th birthday by posting a video to Facebook for the world to see. She told reporter David Ball Wednesday that she wants everyone to hear her story and never drink and drive.

In the video she describes her dad and the accident, "So my name is Katelyn Lay and this video is about a drunk driver, please don't drink and drive because I lost my daddy due to a car wreck and I was in it, and we were on 411 when it happened, Feb. 3 2017. Its been a year since I've seen my daddy, his name is John Lay," said Katelyn.

Her room is covered with pictures of her dad along with a memorial blanket. She even has a build-a-bear teddy bear that has his voice sharing a message to her mother before he died. The message said, "Tell Katelyn I love her."

Katelyn said her message is simple, to not drink and drive so no one else has to live through the same pain she feels.

Katelyn also has a younger sister that her dad never met. Her mother found out she was pregnant after the accident.

Katelyn has made a full recovery, but still has a broken heart.

If you would like to see her entire video message click here: girlsends message to drunk drivers