I created this page in memory of my brother, so family and friends could have a place to come and remember him.Derrick Beckner was a wonderful young man with so much life left to live. He had everything going for him. A great job, good friends, a family that loves him, he was a standout honor student at James Madison University. Derrick was a valuable team member on the mens volleyball team and he was getting ready to buy a new car. Derrick was on top of the world.Derrick Beckner was a loving person who was always there for everybody and would drop anything and everything to be there for you. He always had that beautiful smile on his face, even through the hard times. He had a unique way of making you feel better and you always knew that he was there to comfort you and lend a helping hand. Even as a child, Derrick would put others above himself and go that extra step to make you smile. Derrick was the type of person that you wish you could be more like. He inspired many to be and to do the best that they could in every aspect of life. Derrick was a truly happy person. He never complained about what he didn’t have. Derrick had a laugh that was contagious. Just to be around him, you would feel as though everything in the world was peaceful and good. Derrick was a warm and inviting person. He always made you feel special. He never hesitated to let you know that he loved and cared for you. His thoughtfulness, his everyday smile and laughter will be missed by so many. In the early morning hours of July 5th, 2007, Derrick was returning home from watching the 4th of July fireworks at the baseball diamond downtown. He was a little over a mile from home when a drunk driver crashed into him...killing Derrick instantly.Matt Bradley, the drunk driver, crossed a four lane divided highway, became airborne and landed directly on top of Derricks car, only moments after Derrick had merged onto Staples Mill Road. Police stated, but was not allowed to be presented as evidence in court, that Bradley was traveling at very high rates of speed, at or above 90 mph. Bradley also tested at a 0.11 BAC an hour after the crash happened. Expert testimony at the trial indicated that Bradley should have been anywhere between 0.12 BAC and 0.16 BAC at the time of impact. Bradley was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and DUI in December of 2007. At the sentencing on February 12th, 2008, Judge Daniel T. Balfour issued Bradley to serve a one year with work release "punishment." Bradley will only have to serve 10 months 20 days in the county jail, for the manslaughter charge. He will serve no active time for DUI.My family and I want to thank all of you that have shown us so much love and support during this difficult and tragic time. Your kind words and caring actions have helped us through.I will always remember Derrick as the family oriented, loving and happy person that he was. He will be FOREVER MISSED!!!!James Madison University will award Derrick his college diploma which will make him a member of the historic class of 2008. Derrick's family will receive his diploma privately. We are extremely grateful to JMU for honoring Derrick, and allowing him to fulfill his dream.
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