2 in critical condition after early Thursday crash
June 16th, 2006
By now most of you have probably heard about the boating crash right by Captain Ron’s in Creve Coeur. It left Damon Teverbaugh, 43, of Peoria and Tammy Warnke, 30, of East Peoria in critical condition at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. The boat owner and Peoria police Officer Troy Parker, 35, is in fair condition.
So why am I blogging about this today? Well, Tammy Warnke is a friend of mine, and I can only pray she recovers. I am very upset at the facts that are not being reported as of now. I am speculating that this is because of the ongoing investigation.
Here is what I know to be true. All were drinking at American Pie just hours before the crash took place. Moreover, Peoria Police Internal Affairs have already been to the Pie asking questions.
I won’t rant and rave about this; However, Mr. Parker (Peoria Police Officer) had no buisness on a boat if there was alcohol involved. Whether he was driving the boat or not, he certainly should no better to let someone else drive if they were intoxicated.
I am sure we will be hearing more about this story.
June 16th, 2006 at 11:14 am
First, I hope all 3 recover fully from their injuries. With that said, I think that anyone
who knew all 3 of the victims knows that you need only be mildly observant to
realize there was some heavy “partying” going on that night. The cop? He should probably be
facing criminal charges. The other two? I like them both (the people they used to be a few
years back anyway) and hope they can get their shit together assuming they walk out of the
hospital. My prayers are with them and their families.
June 16th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
Just got an update straight from my husband who went to OSF. Damon needs everyone’s prayers
desperately.
Oh, and the cop? He’s denying that he was even driving his own boat. So, is that to say he, a Peoria city cop was letting a drunk person drive? There’s a special kind of hell for a piece of shit like him.
June 16th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Will be keeping them in my prayers.
June 17th, 2006 at 10:21 am
Mr Parker has a history of getting into trouble
June 19th, 2006 at 7:44 am
[…] I hope that Peoria Police Officer Parker loses his job, at the absolute minimum. Involuntary Manslaughter? He sounds like a real hard-ass to me. I wonder how many DUI’s he’s issued? […]
June 19th, 2006 at 3:11 pm
wow its amazing me how judgemental people can be when they dont have all the facts about this situation,first of all all of us that know the three people involved know that they all really like to party and are all adults and are capable of making their own decisions,noone forced any of them to get into that boat, no matter who was driving they are all equally responsible for what happened, they ALL chose to drink and then get into that boat, and when all the facts come out and they will i hope all of you that have jumped on the we hate Troy Parker bandwagaon realize how wrong it was for you to judge him and put all the blame onto his shoulders…this is such a tradgedy for all the families and us friends of Damon, Troy, and Tammy…it was caused by three people making really bad decisions
June 19th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Yes, bad decision made by all - that’s a given. However mm, the fact that you fail to distinguish a difference in the amount of culpability between Troy and the other two victims speaks volumes about your stupidity.
June 20th, 2006 at 1:29 am
Everyone involved made their decision on drinking and/or boating. I really feel for all the families and friends of those involved in boating icident from the other night. Not knowing Officer Troy Parker personally but knowing what behavior is unbecoming of an officer, I am sad as a tax payer in the city of Peoria that the PPD has an officer with an inability to make the right decision. Even if he wasn’t the one behind the controls on the evening in question, he has a responsibility of being a PPD officer to look out for the better interest of the general public along with those in his presence.
June 20th, 2006 at 7:37 am
And…let’s not forget this is the second accident Mr. Parker has been
involved in where alcohol has allegedly been involved.
June 20th, 2006 at 9:59 am
First of all, let me start by saying, I have very mixed emotions regarding this issue. While the logical side of me somewhat agrees with all of you, the emotional side somewhat differs. I personally know Troy and have considered him a friend. How many of you really know him? It’s so easy for people to judge a book by its cover. It’s so easy to be on the outside looking in and sum up judgements. I also know Damon. I know that Troy and Damon were very close friends and had been for a while. While I agree they did party an aweful lot together, I also know that they both were grown adults capable of making their own decisions as adults - whether those decisions were bad or good. The sad reality is that Damon is no longer with us. He was only 43 years old and way too young to be taken. Tammy, whom I do not know, is still in critical condition. No matter what happens to Troy from here on out legally, he will have to live with this the rest of his life. He will have to bear the burden that he put all 3 people in the position they were in by either allowing them on the boat after drinking or by driving the boat himself. That is a huge burden to bare. If any of you know Troy..and REALLY know Troy…you would know that he’s deep-down a very good person. He’s had a very rough life. His childhood is very troubled and he carries a majority of that baggage with him to this day. I’m not condoning what has happened. I’m not making excuses for anyone’s behavior or inability to make good decisions. I’m simply saying that sometimes bad things happen to good people for one reason or another. I’m hopeful that whatever comes from here Troy is able to see the path he’s has been going down will do nothing but hurt him. I’m hopeful that he’s able to learn from his mistakes. I’m full of sorry that Damon was taken from us in the accident and that Tammy is still fighting. I’m also sorry that none of Troy’s family or friends, including myself, were able to reach out to him before something serious like this happened - even though I’m sure like myself we could all see where he was headed. The bottom line is, it’s a sad situation. Everyone loses. I, for one, choose to have some compassion in my heart instead of judgement in my soul. My prayers go out to Damon’s family, Tammy and her family and also to Troy, whom I’m sure right now is in his own kind of living hell.
June 20th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Okay…after further consideration…I’m now angry. Why this has been eating at me all morning I have no idea…but it is. There are two issues I’d like to raise at the expense of offending some…but stated to make you think, nonetheless.
First of all, how many of us can honestly say you’ve NEVER gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle, whether it be a boat or a car, after having a “few to drink”? And how many of us can honestly say they’ve never gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle when they knew in their own mind they were questionably “legally drunk”? My point in bringing up this issue is, very few are innocent of this. At one time, or possibly several times in our lives, most of us have been guilty of this…we’re just possibly the lucky ones who didn’t get caught (or worse) while doing it.
That being said, another point I’d like to raise is this…
I have known many police officers through my life. Although there are “some” exceptions, many of them feel they are “above the law” in one way or another (extremeties vary from individual to individual). Many law enforcement officials do things that others wouldn’t dare do for fear of the reprocussions - such as drive while questionably drunk, etc. etc. I have sat in a bar in Peoria (no names) many nights and watched SEVERAL Peoria police officers drink more than was sensible and definitely more than was legal. One one occassion I even discussed what would happen to them if they were pulled over on the way home. This individual’s answer?….quite simply stated….”nothing, we look out for each other” (implying the police department does not cite their own). So, that being said, if we want to place blame on “who is at fault” in this whole ordeal, why not look at this from a different angle? Perhaps if the officers of the PPD didn’t have this “look out for each other” attitude, more police officers would be held accountable for their actions despite their own power? Maybe if there was a 0 tolerance for ALL (citizens AND officers), more police officers would take their actions a little more seriously and not just shuck it off to, “I won’t get in trouble, my brothers and sisters in arms will make sure of that”. Do you think that, while these things are happening any of them feared killing someone with their actions?…or do you think they simply though that “they wouldn’t get a dui because their fellow officers would protect them? I tend to believe the latter is what they think during those times.
I’m not stating that it’s the PPD fault for allowing their officers to maintain this type of behavior and rational when they’re not on duty. What I am saying is that it’s not really fair to burn one person at the stake when there were many people involved. After all, most people in life will do what they know they can get away with.
Oh, and by the way, on a lesser note….Hi Scott…(yes, I know you)…I have NO clue how I came across your blog, but I’m glad I did. Nice cite you have here.
June 20th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for visiting.
I can empathize with your emotions on this issue. And you are right.
Nobody should throw stones if we in fact, have gotton behind a wheel
and driven drunk. I freely admit that I have.
However, If I invite you into my car and I am drunk or sober, then I am
responsible for your welfare. I am not saying Mr. Parker is a bad dude.
I am simply saying, he is responsible for his actions. I have not taken
and oath pledging to “Serve and Protect”. He did. Taking that oath does
not give you the right to sometimes serve and protect, or when you have
time.
You are also right on the PPD side. Yes, they do protect each other.
Had someone taken a tougher stand last year when Mr. Parker was
involved in an accident with Mr.Teverbaugh we may not be talking about]
this now.
June 27th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
I have read all blog’s posted on this subject… First of all, We are friends with Tammy.
I have my own opinion. I would like to pass on as to why the blame is being leaned
towards Troy Parker. For starters at the scene, Tammy and Damon were not conscience when
paramedics arrived, Troy was .. He did not tell the police anything reguarding who was
in the boat. The accident happened at 12:52 The families were not able to be contacted until
after 4:30… Because Troy did not know who was with him..(BULL)
He was seen using his cell phone at the hospital shortly after arriving. He was irrational
and impatient towards the staff at OSF, In a deffensive mode I suspect.
I am a boat owner myself and take people out with me all the time. A responsible boater
would have taken responsability for their actions.
The fact remains. It was his boat, they were his responability!
We all know they were drinking before heading to the boat.
There was alchohol on board .(Funny to me how he remembered to have alcohol on board
but not a spot light)
Those barges have been there for as long as I have been on the water.
Anyone with knowledge of the river knows that.
He was inexperienced AND intoxicated.
Which proved to be fatal for his good friend Damon.
We are still praying for Tammy’s recovery.
My final thought : It is just a shame that a man trusted
to uphold the law, sworn to protect.. Has to be squeezed for this information,
if indeed he is innocent. Let’s all cross our fingers that the proper authorities
take legal action where it is due, without bias judgement for Troy!
We all love you Tammy and our Prayers are with you and your family.
June 28th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Deanna and Russ,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks for visiting the site. I have
spoken with her Dad and she is making a little progress.
Thanks for keeping up the prayers.
June 28th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Thanks Scott, for the update and the blog page, was a great site to come
across and a pleasure to have voiced my opinion ..
Thanks Again,
D.
July 15th, 2006 at 8:18 am
Here we are now a month after the terrible accident that left Damon gone and Tammy most likely paralyzed for the rest of her life. What a shame of such young people. I am an older individual and have seen alot of misfortunes and wasted youth on carelessness in my time. Yes at my age, they and some of you as well, are still youth, conscidering how much life that there is and how short and fast it does and will go by. I have read your comments on these individuals and feel your concerns. It was without a very tragic accident. Remember there is still one abled body that is with us in whole and there are repercussions for him as well. I had a friend, a very good friend, many years ago that was killed in an automobile accident while i was the driver of the car, alcohol was not a factor,but carelessness was. Things were different then and we knew how to get into alot of trouble on our own. Unfortunatley we as human beings like excitement, avoiding the unfortunate possibilities or tragedies that may occur. I have always missed my friend and wonder what may have become of her if she were still alive. She was an incredibly smart and gifted person, much more than me. I have grown children now and wonder if she would have had the pleasure of all the beautiful things that i have been blessed with over my life. I guess what i am trying to say to some of you is that what may make you angry about this tragic accident is more of who is at fault, rather than who shared in the fault. I had a whole community criticize me and my family for years. That was over 50 years ago and i still think about that terrible night that i was just hanging out with my friends. It is a burden i hope that you fine people never have to live with.— God be with the families of Damon,Tammy and Troy and also my best friend and younger sister JoAnn.
July 15th, 2006 at 8:41 am
My best friend was my younger sister,JoAnn, and she died at the young age of 17, she loved and admired being around me and my friends and i loved her being there, she would be turning 69 this August. I miss her and think about her everyday.
July 16th, 2006 at 9:48 am
jj,
Thank you for your comments. Your point is well taken.
July 18th, 2006 at 8:10 am
Does anyone have a true update of Tammy’s condition? Is she still in
a coma and is she paralized? Tammy was always a bundle of energy, I
guess I haven’t given up hope that she is a fighter. She was released
the reports say, but I’m assuming it was to another facility?
July 18th, 2006 at 3:48 pm
To all concerned on her well being..
I have spent time with Tammy off and on since the wreck.
She is improving on a day to day basis . She is definitly a fighter .
She is still in hospital ICU but was upgraded to fair last week.
She needs all the prayers we can give her right now..
So, please say a prayer for her and her family..
July 18th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
We should organize a fund raiser for her…
August 1st, 2006 at 11:33 pm
We have been considering a fund raiser. Several bars have expressed
an interest in helping out. As to the comment about Tammy being paralyzed.
I just want to say, she will have a long row to hoe, but nothing is
definate at this time. She will need time for her brain to heal.
She responds to people and has wrote her name on paper for the physical
therapists. It will be a while for her brain to heal, and then we will
know. I love and miss my friend dearly. Her family has asked that
only immediate family come to see her, they don’t want to get her too
excited, which is common for a head injury. Leave a post if anyone has
an idea or wants to help for a fund raiser. Martini’s had one for
Damon and it was a big success.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
I knew Troy Parker about 12 years ago. He was always extremely kind to me, as well as my friends and family. It’s so sad to see the downward spiral he has apparently gone down that eventually led to this devastating accident. My heart aches for Damon and Tammy’s families. I hope justice is served, but I also hope we all learn something from this tragic accident. God bless Damon and Tammy. My prayers are with all of the families, including Parker’s.
August 16th, 2006 at 10:36 am
[…] Troy Parker, 35, was indicted on three counts of reckless homicide and four counts of aggravated operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol. He faces reckless homicide charges for allegedly operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and crashing into a barge two months ago. […]
August 22nd, 2006 at 12:50 pm
Saturday in the Journal Star was a well written article about Mr. Troy Parker and his in and
outs with the law… Thanks to Phil Luciano
Here is the link everyone enjoy… http://www.pjstar.com/stories/081906/PHI_BANA2LFR.011.shtml
And as for Tammy she is improving!
Thanks to all for the prayers keep them coming
September 15th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Well, Let me just say that I have known Troy for 20+ years. I have known Tammy for about 6 years. I will not disrespect her or Damon in this post but I will let you know that some of these posts are the most uninformed I have ever read. It is quite easy to jump to conclusions about what happened that night. We will have to see what the investigation from the DNR and the State’s Attorney Office have to say. Let me just point out a few misconceptions…first Phil Luciano’s expose is full of holes. Everyone is looking at Troy’s past like it really matters, well if that’s the case let’s look at the full dynamic of these three people, Tammy has a very checkered past and Damon was closely on the heels of completely throwing his life away. Three adults, many poor decisions along the way. To the Wolf’s your account of that night is WAAAY off base. Opinion is JUST opinion…do not dare present it as fact! Shame on you. That shows a complete lack of disrespect to the 3 friends in that accident.Troy may not have as many physical injuries as Tammy, but believe me, he has to try to cope with losing a friend and and being the subject of terrible rumors and blame. My prayers are with all the families of those involved and I hope that proper justice is served.
November 5th, 2006 at 6:15 pm
Does anyone have an accurate update on Tammy’s condition? How about Parker’s next step in the legal process? I haven’t lived in Peoria for many years, but have been trying to keep up on this sad story.
November 6th, 2006 at 9:03 am
Tammy is home living wth her Dad. She still has a long way to go, and is undergoing physical therepy. Troy is awaiting trial, but I am not sure of the date. If anybody knows, please comment.
I tried checking PJStar’s archives, but their web site is screwed up.
November 19th, 2006 at 10:34 am
[…] After this last summers boating accident, I got to see a very special person last night. Tammy Warnke was able to leave the house and see some old friends. She looked great, and is on her way to making a hopeful recovery. […]
December 11th, 2006 at 9:27 am
[…] I had the pleasure of attendig a Benefit for Tammy Warnke yesterday hosted by Hammers Bar in Bartonville. It’s only been since May of this year when Damon Teverbaugh, 43, of Peoria and Tammy Warnke, 30, were involved in a boating accident, including Peoria Police Officer Troy Parker. […]
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:47 am
[…] This is long overdue. The Peoria Police Department has fired Troy Parker, eight months after he was involved in a deadly boat accident. […]
March 7th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I knew Damon very well. He would want Troy to stand up and take responsibility for his actions. He screwed up and cost a young kid his father, his mom a son, his brother a brother and me a really good friend.
Troy-cop a plea, do your time and move on.
October 6th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I just typed in an old boyfriend’s name and came across this blog. My boyfriend was Damon Teverbaugh-we dated 12 years ago so I am not sure it is the same person, but I am interested to know if this old friend has passed away. Can someone please email me if you know? He had a son-Brandon, I think. He would be about 19 or 20 now. Thanks a lot.
October 11th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Hey Scott, do you have Erin’s e-mail in your log. I would like to get a hold of her. Unfortunately, it seems this is the same Damon. Thanks in advance.
October 19th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Erin,
E-mail me. dhillone@hotmail.com I too got blind sided by all of this a while back. It is freaky when you learn that a friend dies and you are unaware. For you it happens the moment that you learn about the accident.
Dave