St. Louis man survives near-fatal crash, writes book to educate and inspire others

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - In the midst of tragedy, many look for ways to find a new sense of hope. After 16 years of being in a near-fatal accident, one St. Louis man is finally grateful for the day that changed his life.

For many, Natural Bridge Ave and Newstead Ave is just an intersection in north St. Louis, but for Christopher Pate, it is much more than that.

“I don’t that night,” Pate said.

That intersection is where his whole life changed. He was out with a friend on Jan. 25, 2009, looking for places to celebrate his birthday. He was the sober driver that evening, and on his way home, a drunk driver crashed into him as he was making a left turn.

“I woke up oblivious to life. I didn’t know myself, I didn’t know who I was, where I was,” Pate said.

In his early twenties, he was faced with starting over.

“I had to relearn my name, how to write, how to walk, how to talk,” he said.

It was a moment in his life he will never forget.

“That process was the toughest chapter of my life,” he said.

And 16 years later, the pain is still there as he looks at back at where it all happened

“Underlying sadness if I am being honest, but I am grateful,” he said.

He said he is grateful for what is to come.

“My first book is coming out. ‘The Drunk Deliverance Discovering Purpose and Traumatic Experiences’ because God used a drunk driver to give a purpose to my life,” he said.

It’s a purpose that he hopes resonates with others to never drive impaired and to never give up.

“If your heart’s still beating you can still achieve your goals and your dreams,” Pate said.

Chris isn’t defined by what happened to him.

“I’ve dreaded that day,” he said.

Jan. 25 now has a whole new meaning.

“So yes, this crash occurred, but I’ve reclaimed the day. I am excited about it for maybe the first time since the crash,” he smiled.

Chris held a book g at his alma mater, Harris Stowe State University, on Saturday. If you are interested in a copy of his book, you can find the link here.

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