The following article was posted on www.gmtoday.com
Web site born out of tragedy
Mequon couple seeks crackdown on intoxicated drivers after three in their family killed
Posted: Jan. 9, 2009
MEQUON - Jennifer Bukosky, the former Oconomowoc High School vice principal, was a mentor to her children and students, but her passion for education and spirit to teach were lost last spring.
On April 25, Bukosky, her unborn daughter, Sophie Bukosky, and her 10-year-old daughter, Courtney Bella, were killed in an auto crash involving former surgeon, Mark Benson. Also injured in the crash were her 12-year-old son, Zach Bella, and Courtney's friend, Debbie Gibbs.
Two days before killing Bukosky, 39, and the children, Benson received his third intoxicated driving conviction. He is now charged with several felonies, including three counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. A State Crime Lab report indicated Benson had Xanax, Ambien and oxycodone in his system at the time of the crash.
Since the tragedy, Bukosky's parents, Judy and Paul Jenkins of Mequon, redirected their daughter's passion into a Web site urging Wisconsin legislators about the need for tougher laws for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The site, www.jenniferbukosky.com, was launched Oct. 13 and, as of Jan. 6, more than 3,300 signatures have been collected and 1,270 e-mails were sent to state lawmakers. It asks people who visit the site to e-mail their legislators and demand stiffer punishments.
