Fatal Mishawaka crash caused by drunk driver Save Email Print
Mishawaka, IN
Posted: 7:32 AM Aug 16, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:48 AM Aug 17, 2008
152 comments
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Police say a drunk driver killed a 60-year-old Mishawaka woman and seriously injured her husband.

The crash happened just after 7:00 Saturday morning on Lincolnway East near Oakside in Mishawaka.

Police say the intoxicated man's Cobalt drifted across the center line and smashed into a 1964 Corvair.

The impact crumpled one side of the classic car and killed passenger Carol Ragsdale.

"I just heard a loud pop and glass hit my windshield, and part of the car came flying across in front of the road. Basically, it just happened right in front of me," explained Roger Spier.

Derek Dygulski of South Bend was arrested and booked into the Saint Joseph County Jail Saturday afternoon.

He faces one charge of operating while intoxicated causing death, and one charge of operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury.
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Posted by: tanyaa Location: uk on Sep 16, 2008 at 09:08 PM
What the hell was Pete Coors, brewery executive, thinking? Typical apology from someone that preached responsibility. A slap on the hand amounted to minimal community service and payment of court fees came from a sympathetic judge, you lucked out Pete. ------------ Tanyaa California Dui
Posted by: angelinjones Location: cummings on Sep 11, 2008 at 03:28 AM
Put yourself in the police officers shoes for a week and see how you feel about the selfish family who try and make one persons life miserable because they're son was shot for trying to kill an officer. POlice officers hvae familys too and put they're lives on the line to save yours! ===================== Angelinjones
Posted by: STEPHANIE Location: MORGANTON NC on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM
TO ANONYMOUS ON AUG 26, 2008 AT 09:54 AM....AMEN.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Well, I must say if it was my child or family that was killed I would not say we all make mistakes, ect. I would want an eye for an eye and most of you out there that say he is a good person I believe you. Try telling the victims children that though. Put yourself in their shoes as well. The worse part this could all be avoided. As an adult you have the right to make choices, if you don't make the right choice there is consiquences and he should pay dearly. He just tore a family into shreds, nothing will ever be the same. I don't think he is a bad person, and I hope he learned from this. Be a speaker about how it changed his life and others to keep this from happening to someone else. I pray for all involved. I pray your strong during this time in your lives.
Posted by: anonymous Location: south bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:06 AM
This comment area needs spell check. After reading several comments on different stories this morning, this is the conclusion I have come to. Who wants to read a comment and try and decipher what one is trying to say?
Posted by: anonymous Location: mishawaka on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:01 PM
To anonymous from south bend posted on Aug. 25 at 12:55! I've been wondering the same thing!!!!! Known her for along time, she'll never change.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Bend on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I wonder if Heather will think twice now before SHE drinks and drives?
Posted by: Doc Ock on Aug 24, 2008 at 08:09 AM
The problem is, there are some people who can drive competently after a few drinks. At least, there are people who do it all the time and don't get caught. I see them all the time rolling up near my Indian Springs apartment getting out of their car clutching their beer can... and you know how the human ego works; no one wants to be told THEY are one of the ones who can't drive after a few drinks. So, the ones who can't drive competently after a few drinks get behind the wheel. It's the same way with drinking in general. Some people can drink and still be ok to be around. Some people can't and just shouldn't drink. But, you can't tell people that THEY are one of the ones who can't handle their booze. The ego won't hear of it. So, people who shouldn't drink do anyway, no matter how often they end up making a fool of themselves. The ego finds a way to rationalize it away.
Posted by: J on Aug 23, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I do not know either family, but I do know if a drunk driver killed my family member I would be angry and upset. I also know, that if my family member was drunk and killed someone I would still love them. You never stop loving your family or good friends. I myself take the responsibility to never drive even if I have one drink, but after drinking the mind, as you know, is not thinking like it should and it clouds your thoughts. So before drinking make sure you have someone sober to take you home.
Posted by: Dave stevens Location: Elkhart on Aug 23, 2008 at 02:44 PM
I can not believe people are commenting on the safety of the Ragsdales's car. If they had been driving an old Honda civic what then? They were struck head on by a drunk driver! The drunk driver may be a great guy but his mistake was not a fender bender. His mistake took an innocent life of a woman who has many friends that will tell you what an incredible person she was. You can blame anything you want but lets be real, a drunk driver went head on into there car at 7AM
Posted by: J Phillips Location: Granger on Aug 22, 2008 at 11:52 PM
I keep hearing it was a bad mistake from a good person. It was a mistake that took a life. Where were all these good friends at that were drinking with him that night? Did some of them drive home drunk also? Good thing they didnt make a "mistake" and take somebodys life.
Posted by: Dennis Location: Austin on Aug 22, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Dear Conrad: True, VW and several others make a rear engined car but the Corvair had several significant design flaws from the beginning. The early VW's also had issues with the gas tank being in front of the occupant compartment and not protected very well but that was remedied. Nothing said in these comments will change what happened. Mrs. Ragsdale is deceased, Mr. Ragsdale is suffering, and the families/friends of all involved are hurting. But through it all, life goes on for us, the commentators, judging as we go. No matter what we think or what the evidence is, Derek will get his day in court and justice will prevail. We are all going to be judged someday, hope we are all up to it.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: south bend on Aug 22, 2008 at 05:16 PM
could wndu please, print what this guy will be charged with.DWI,reckless driving,causing a death while intoxicated,or just a slap on the wrist??
Posted by: Deb on Aug 22, 2008 at 04:43 PM
The so called friends of Derek that are defending him, I have to ask where were you when he picked up the keys to drive after his drinking binge. Maybe you should be in trouble too for allowing him to get in his car. I highly doubt that he was drinking alone allllll night!! I sure hope he has better friends than that!
Posted by: STEPHANIE WARDLOW Location: NC on Aug 22, 2008 at 03:50 PM
TO CAROLYN, YOUR RIGHT GOD IS THE JUDGE, NOT YOU. AND I DO HAVE RELIGION FOR YOUR INFORMATION, AND IT TEACHES ME TO FORGIVE. WHAT A CONCEPT! AND IT TEACHES ME TO LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES, WHICH IM SURE DEREK HAS. AND IT TEACHES ME TO EMBRACE MY BROTHER, WHICH I WILL DO. IM SORRY THIS WHOLE THING HAD TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE, BUT IT DID. AND WISHING BAD THINGS ON DEREK ISN'T GOING TO CHANGE THAT. HE HAS TO LIVE WITH HIS ACTIONS FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE. AND TO DAVE A MISTAKE IS; an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, insufficient knowledge, etc. YOU HAVE A DICTIONARY ON YOUR COMPUTER, TRY USING IT. IM NOT TRYING TO BE HATEFUL, JUST HONEST. YOU SEE HIM FOR ONE THING THAT HAPPENED IN HIS LIFE, WE SEE ALL THE REST, AND YOU KNOW WHAT, WE ARE THE BETTER FOR IT BECAUSE HE'S A GREAT PERSON, NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS. PERIOD.
Posted by: ME Location: SOUTH BEND on Aug 22, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I have made plenty of mistakes but never one that cost the life of another human being. I never got so drunk that I had no idea as to what day/time/ or where I was. But Derek did. I am sure that sober he maybe a good guy but this time he was not. I feel sorry for him because now he has to live the rest of his life knowing his very very poor judgement took this woman's life and left her husband fighting for his life her grandkids will never see her again all in blink of an eye. That is what makes me MADD. Those of you who are his close friends cannot even see this and that is very sad you would rather feel sorry for poor Derek then this family that did not ask for this. I will pray for each of you because God will judge you to just like Derek. God bless again to this poor family and I only hope one day you can smile again after a this awful accident that did not have to happen. My prayers are with your kids who will never know her love but know her as there guardian angel now!!!
Posted by: what if Location: South bend on Aug 22, 2008 at 01:04 PM
To all of you that are Dereks friends I have just 1 question for you. What if it was your family that he hit? Would you still be defending him? I have lost someone very close to me by a drunk driver. Im not saying through him in jail and through away the key, but I just hope that this unfortunate accident opens peoples eyes. God bless all that were involved.
Posted by: Dave Location: Mishawaka on Aug 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Truth hurts, huh? Boy you have a low bar for what makes a " good " person. Of course I would expect nothing less from a bunch of drunks closing ranks around one of their own. EVERYONE has been in trouble at one time or another, friend. The difference is this guy isn't a teenager who didn't know any better, he didn't blow a tire or have his brakes fail. he came across the center line on a 5 LANE HIGHWAY after a bender that lasted 'til 7 am!! And to be truthful, if I were to do something so selfish, foolish, arrogant and STUPID I wouldn't want my friends defending me. I would man up, make no excuses,and not have my friends tell people how "good" I am. HOW PRETENTIOUS!! By your definition what is a " bad " person? How many more people will he have to kill before he becomes "bad" ? 5, 10, 20? Or will he always be "good" to you because he is a drunk JUST LIKE YOU and looking at him is like looking in a mirror? Keep tippin' em up all night long, loser.I'm sure Ken Ragsdale won't mind, huh?
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 22, 2008 at 08:50 AM
He will whyne, cry, go to rehab and get away with murder. Just like the majority.
Posted by: Th Location: IN on Aug 22, 2008 at 01:26 AM
TO all you people who are so perfect and never done anything wrong in your life good for you but stop bashing someone you know nothing about, My heart goes out to the ragddales and if Mrs. Ragsdale is the kind of person you all say she is then i just bet ya she's already forgiven Derek
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:26 PM
To DAVE....Do you feel better after a rant like that? We as friends of Derek's can defend him, he is a good person. As far as is he is half the man.....I don't you he needs your advice on what to do in the court room. You better hope you never get in trouble yourself - maybe your punishment could be the electric chair or beheading!! What an idiot comment from you Dave. And for the record he is NOT an animal, thank you, he is a human being that had a really bad mistake. Not PREMEDITATED. I am sure you are just a perfect person. Go jump of the Sears tower dude.
Posted by: Dave Location: Mishawaka on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:27 PM
I am sick and tired of people calling this a "MISTAKE". A mistake is something that happens when you are trying your best to do the right thing and the wrong thing happens. This was a PRE-MEDITATED ACT OF NEGLIGENCE on his part. What if someone decide to walk outside and start shooting geese in the middle of Mishawaka with a rifle and " accidentally " killed someone and maimed another? Sure they were TRYING to kill geese but in an act of ILLEGAL STUPIDITY AND IGNORANCE they killed someone. Same applies here. Voluntary, knowingly Illegal activity resulting in the death of another is NOT a " MISTAKE " it is A CRIME. Stop defending him. IF he's half the man you say he is he should walk into that courtroom and plead guilty/no contest and take his punishment silently and reverently thanking his lucky stars that we no longer use beheading or the electric chair to exact justice on animals like him.
Posted by: Carolyn Location: NIles,Michigan on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Back in 1976 my husband and I lost a very good friend becuz he decieded to drink and drive. Do I feel sorry for Derek. No I do not. He made he choice when he picked up those keys got in that car a hit and killed Carol Ragsdale who will never see her kids/husband/grandkids again. That is who is feel sorry for. Call it a wrong choice I do not care. But you will never get me to feel sorry for him this womans husband is fighting for his life. Derek is out walking the streets going on with his life. A JUDGE wil probably give him a slap on wrist and say be on your way . And in the meantime the Ragsdale grieve. So Stephanie get some religion and see who really is hurting here it is the family that Derek hurt in a blink of an eye. He had a choice Carol did not . God bless to the Ragsdale family my thoughts and prayers are with you all. To Derek look at this car on a daily basis and remember what you did to this poor family and ask God to spare you he is the one who will judge.
Posted by: STEPHANIE WARDLOW Location: MORGANTON, NC on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I JUST WANTED TO SAY TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE JUDGING DEREK RIGHT NOW, JUST REMEMBER THE WAY YOUR ACTING TOWARD HIM WHEN YOU MAKE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF YOUR LIFE AND PEOPLE TREAT YOU THE WAY YOUR TREATING HIM. I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING DEREK AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THAT ANYONE CAN DO OR SAY TO MAKE HIM FEEL WORSE THEN HE ALREADY DOES, I'M SURE. IT REALLY SADDENS ME TO SEE SO MANY SELF RIGHTIOUS HIPACRITICAL JUDGEMENTAL PEOPLE, WHO ARE ALL READY TO JUMP IN THE POT AND SPOUT OFF AT THE MOUTH WHEN YOUR AS BAD AS THE NEXT PERSON. WOW! I WISH I WAS PREFECT LIKE ALL OF YOU...NOT! DEREK, I’M BEHIND YOU MAN, STAND TALL, WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND ALL INVOLVED.

Please do not post in all capital letters. Thanks - WNDU.com
Posted by: a friend Location: south bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:42 PM
LIFE is about making choices everyday.Can everybody look into the future and see if our choices were right.I am a mother of two and if that happened to my loved one, Id want the worst punishment possible.That was untill this event took place.Friends and family have been asked where were we and to put our loved ones in their place. I have been best friends with derek for more than 20yrs, and I am here to say we are not making excuses nor do we think he should not have to pay for his action.we are devasted that a loved one has lost their life. But I can only reply and say Derek lived his days honest and loving to his friends and family never partied till wee hours of the morning or sat on a barstool after work. he spent his days working and building on cars and spending time with family and friends. We understand that he got in that car that morning but his friends and family know it wasnt his character to due so. I can only blame the effects of alcohol and teach my children the dangers.
Posted by: conrad Location: south bend on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:30 AM
So dennis. You are an IDIOT! I bet you believe everything you read dont you. VW has been making rear engine cars for over 50 years, Porshe the same, and Ferrari close to 55years. So those cars are unsafe and should e trailered too? That is the best part of being in the classic car, the driving. Show off what you have rebuilt and restored. What would have happend if he would have hit and killed a family going to church in there mini van. I have seen worse accidents in newer modern cars with airbags and all the "Saftey" items. So all I ask is that Derek gets his fare judgement and that this wakes up people to think before they drive under the influnce. I also hope that the ragsdale find peace and closer in there time of need. Remember we all make mistakes.
Posted by: Bob Vukas Location: Topeka, KS on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Please report your stories with accuracy. A woman died and her husband was injured due to a drunk driver who walked away. Focus on the people. Bashing the classic car incorrectly in your story is wrong. Corvairs were vindicated in 1972. Retractions seldom overcome headlines that are later proved false. Please keep telling the human side of this story so your readers may be properly informed.
Posted by: friend of Dereks on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:22 PM
noone is making excuses for Dereks actions but in his defense we all try to remain strong and deal with it the best way we know how nobody wants this to happen to anyone on both aspects of the situation and we were unfortunate never to know the Ragsdale family but did know the Dygulski family and for them we remain close I spoke with Derek on August 19 and my best friend was lost for words praying to make this go away and he knows he can't but that wont take away memories we will always share we need to focus on both families and be here for them both all judgement set aside only God can be the judge in the end
Posted by: FYI Location: Mishawaka on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:00 PM
I have been reading all these comments, and I have to add one. I have seen this car(colbalt) traveling down Lincolnway many times well over the speed limit. Right in front of the Twin Branch school no less. Driving recklessly, and taking chances. Take that for what it is worth.
Posted by: not tellin Location: granger on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:15 PM
bottom line-everyone makes mistakes. derek made a huge mistake, we have all made mistakes and we all have regrets. what happened is tragic and my heart goes out the the ragsdale family. however, all that any of us can do is learn from derek's mistake and move forward. please keep the ragsdale family and derek in your thoughts and prayers. use this as a learning tool for your children to show them how serious drinking and driving is.
Posted by: Lisa Location: Mishawaka on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Please, let's pay attention to what is going on around us. Lowering the drinking age would be a major mistake. Less experienced drivers, driving drunk would only make things worse.
Posted by: Dennis Location: Austin on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Derek screwed up and his actions resulted in a death and a critical injury. It must have been a great party that he was at for whomever he was with to even let him drive at all. The Corvair crumpled like a Dr. Pepper can upon impact and would have done so even if the oncoming car was driven by a Minister on his way to Sunday service at the Granger Churh. Plain and simple, the car is unsafe. My condolences to all, no one deserves to die like this, better to pass in ones sleep. All of our concerns and comments won't change the outcome, wish it would. As we read about the tragedies on this site and the other news sites, I wish we would somehow find out what happens to the survivor. But that is probably a matter of family privacy. Shame though that after the news event passes, so does the memory.
Posted by: Debbie Location: California on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Heather, Kim & Jennifer-My heart and prayers go out to each of you and your Dad. Your mother was amazing and will be forever remembered. Your Cousin Debbie
Posted by: Ad See-er Location: South bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Anonymous at 9:38-I saw the Bud Light Lime ad on Aug 19@ approx 12:26pm. It was right above the Olympic Zone and under the 5 day forcast on the right hand side of this page. So, it's being advertised on line. Anyway...who cares?? WNDU did not intentionally put it there to add salt to an open wound, Anonymous @ 12:20am. Let's pray for the Ragsdale family instead of scrutinizing a website.
Posted by: Lisa W. Location: North Liberty on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:28 AM
To all of Derek's supporters who say "this isnt him, he's a great guy, dont judge him"... All I have to say to those comments is Guess What.... IT WAS HIM, HE WAS THE ONE WHO KILLED SOMEONE'S MOTHER! Im sorry but the people on this site are raging about his actions not who he is. Because frankly noone who knows and loves the Ragsdales cares who he is, if hes nice or what kind of loss he has suffered. All they are concerned about are the actions of that horrible day. When he knowingly "pulled the trigger of a loaded weapon"(drove drunk)that killed a human being and seriously injured another. We as a society have and will always judge others by their actions. the old saying actions speak louder than words. Well his actions have spoken as to what kind of person his is. A careless killer.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Not sure what you're seeing Anonymous @ 12:20 AM, but it's against federal law to advertise for alcoholic beverages online. Methinks someone is trolling. And I don't see any ads "sponsoring" this page.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:20 AM
I think it's in poor taste they have a Bud Lite Lime ad sponsoring this page.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mishawaka on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:56 PM
I read this article because I know the family and feel horrible for them but I can guess you are someone that works for madd to suggest someone with 11-12 DUI's is not in prison haha.
Posted by: Nick Location: South Bend on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:35 PM
It's amazing that in my 25 years, I've never been a drunk driver. I don't mean that I've never been caught. I mean I've never done it. Beyond this, I've never had a drink of alcohol. Sound crazy? Read on... So do I have fun? You bet! The best part is that I don't have to live down some embarrassing thing that I did that I can't seem to remember because of a drunken stupor. How can I relax without alcohol? Simple really, I read a book. Take a slow country drive. Play the piano. Now here's a real question for you...why do people still drive drunk? The only logical answer is that the penalties are not still enough. Liberty without law is anarchy. We have to step this up a few notches. It's time to get Drunk Driving under control, before another family is affected.
Posted by: Andrew Hoof Location: Austin, TX on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:10 PM
I can't belive this is happening to us.. (Heather)I'll be home as soon as i can, Stay strong.. Your mother is a beautiful person and always will be and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Andy Hoof
Posted by: DAVE Location: Mishawaka on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Lets be clear here. Most folks who go out after work and have a few beers have no problem driving home without maiming and killing people. Don't lump this piece of trash Dygulski in with the rest of the responsible folks of Michiana. He's a special breed of worthless that we need to work tirelessly to remove from society. Alcohol doesn't drink itself and the car was perfectly fine and functioning in 1964 just as it was that morning. The difference is back then people respected and loved their neighbors guys like that dis-appeared and weren't heard from again.
Posted by: A Location: Mishawaka on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:14 PM
it isnt the police that is the problem... they keep their eyes open for them and they do their part in arresting them... the problem is with the lawyers finding any itty bitty so called excuse to get them off of serious time and worse yet are the courts, ultimately the laws... there must be serious punishment handed out right from the get go... until this happens the police are just wasting their time... too many drunks/impaired drivers are getting their wrists barely slapped and just getting so called 'time served' and suspended sentences... it is total b.s.... having a drivers license that is suspended does nothing, they drive without it... unless the police see them committing a violation there is nothing that can be done about it... too many drivers, still driving impaired without their licenses...
Posted by: Carrie Location: Indiana on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:55 PM
To Dennis of Austin,MN.What a jerk thing to say!Ralph Naders book referred to suspension and handling problems due to the weight of the motor on the rear tires.The suspension couldn't handle the weight when two or people were in the car.Safe tire pressure was compromised and made the car harder to handle.At higher speeds the bouncing motor weight could have caused it to "tuck under" and cause a wreck.That had nothing to do with "structural devises to protect the occupants" as you said.But this problem was fixed by 1964.Wasn't an issue with the Ragsdales car being a 1964.It wouldn't apply here anyway since they were hit in the front by a DRUNK DRIVER!Newer cars can be "unsafe".Airbags or not.Should all cars be trailer queens or just classic cars, Dennis?You are a jerk!Saying this car should not have been in operation is implying the Ragsdales did something wrong!THEY DID NOT!So Dennis,shut your pie hole!Nobody wants "your opinion"!My deepest sympathy to the Ragsdale family.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:51 PM
To Dennis from Austin,MN.What a jerk thing to say!Maybe you should learn to read. Ralph N
Posted by: Angel Location: elkhart on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:50 PM
For one ive only know derek a few years now.But he's a amazing guy kind and caring,People make mistakes and i bet 90% of you posting these hateful death comments have once er twice in ur life drove home drunk so who are you to judge on what you yourself have done?I lost my bestfriend almost 4 years ago from a drunk driver who hit her and 3 of our other friends But not once did i ever say the person needs to die.Only god can judge so you people claiming ur christian need to rethink what you are saying.Im sorry to the family who has lost there loved ones.He d