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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend February 12, 2006 Cars stream down Riverside Avenue in Medford Saturday evening past participants in a vigil for Charles Ashley Bench, killed Feb. 11, 2005, when a car driven by Kevan Thatcher- Stevens, an intoxicated Ashland teenager, crashed into his in downtown Medford. Mail Tribune / Andrew Mariman Remembering a fallen friend Vigil honors Rogue Valley man killed in 2005 traffic crash By CHRIS CONRAD Mail Tribune The last time Charles Ashley Bench’s family saw him alive was at his birthday party held Dec. 30, 2004 at his brother’s house in Eagle Point. Margaret Lynch, Bench’s sister-in-law, recalls how they spent most of the evening chatting and chuckling about times gone by. "We stood around talking about all the things that happened in our lives with each other — razzing each other about stupid things we’d done," she said. On Feb. 11, 2005, a little more than a month after the party, Bench was killed after his car was struck by a Jeep Cherokee driven by Ashland teenager Kevan Thatcher-Stephens. The intoxicated teen was running from police, and was traveling at around 100 mph through Medford when the cars collided at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Jackson Street. Thatcher-Stephens, 17, died later that night. Fast forward one year, and it becomes evident the events of that night continue to resonate throughout the community. Advertisement A candlelight vigil held Saturday night near the crash scene in honor of Bench drew about 50 people. Medford resident Heather Hoeber was stuck in traffic the night of the crash. She was close enough to hear the impact that knocked Bench’s 1994 Chevy Blazer more than 100 feet away from the spot of the collision. She didn’t know Bench, and is not a friend of the family. Hoeber describes herself as simply "a community member." "It could have happened to anyone, but it shouldn’t have happened to anyone," she said. "I attended both services for Mr. Thatcher-Stephens and Mr. Bench. I will never forget it." Older brothers Ray and Bill Lynch described 26-year-old Bench as a staunch NASCAR fan — fiery racer Tony Stewart his favorite — and dedicated father who spent most of his last birthday attending to his oldest son, who had broken his arm just days before. "Being the father he was, he just comforted his son in his time of need," Bill Lynch said. Lynch said that last he spoke with his brother was shortly after last year’s Super Bowl. He had just beaten Bench in their fantasy football league and the two were trash-talking each other over the phone. "He said, ‘I’ll get you next year,’ " Lynch recalled. Mark Louis Robustelli spent the evening leaning on a cane outside the crowd. Robustelli was riding in Bench’s car the night of the crash. The two were returning from a slick-track race in Medford when Thatcher-Stephens’ Jeep slammed into them. Robustelli suffered severe injuries, mostly to his legs. The impact shattered his left leg between the knee and ankle. He had to be cut from the wreckage by rescue workers and received multiple units of blood. He spent several weeks recovering at Providence Medical Center. He is now locked in a legal battle against the Thatcher-Stephens estate. He is seeking a judgment of $2.5 million. But the suit was not on his mind Saturday night he said. He spoke mostly of his friend of eight years. The two found time to hang around every week and often went on extended trips together, seeking adventure and competition. "Whether we were playing board games, basketball or throwing snowballs, it was always competitive," he said. "One thing I’ll always remember about Charles was his voicemail message. It said, ‘I’m sorry I can’t come to phone right now. I’m probably chasing my children around the store. "He was the dad of dads — amazing father, amazing friend," Robustelli added. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail Remembering a fallen friend ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations Casinos Canada dvd-r Generic Viagra Myspace Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Student Loans Sudoku Online Advertisement s Advertisement