http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/Son_dies_bio_dad_never_grew_up
Son dies; 'bio dad never grew up'
Died in crash while riding with biological father
Updated: Monday, 05 Oct 2009, 1:16 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 05 Oct 2009, 1:15 PM EDT
Joe LaFurgey
CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. (WOOD) - The news release from the Cedar Springs Police Department lists the driver in a fatal alcohol-involved crash as the father of the 19 year-old man who died in the collision.
But to Leonard Holstege, the only connection between the driver and the young man who died is in the blood.
Derrick Holstege -- Ricky to family and friends -- died Saturday night after the Jeep in which he was a passenger pulled into the path of a pick-up truck at White Creek and 17 Mile Road.
The man behind the wheel was Todd Benoit, 35, Holstege's biological father. Police said Benoit had been drinking.
Leonard Holstege told 24 Hour News 8 he met Rick's mother when the boy was three. He said Benoit had little to do with the boy.
Holstege eventually married Ricky's mother and adopted the boy, along with his sister.
Holstege says he and his wife were wary of Benoit. "(Ricky's) biological father never grew up."
But when Ricky turned 18, the 2008 Covenant Christian High graduate became curious about his father. So Holstege and his wife set up a meeting with Benoit.
Ricky and Benoit hung out a few times.
But the Holsteges remained concerned over a number of issues, including Benoit's drinking.
"We knew he was irresponsible and a bad influence," said Holstege. "But when you're 19, that's an attraction."
Holstege said they tried to end Ricky's visits with his biological father.
Saturday afternoon, Holstege and Ricky watched the Michigan-Michigan State football game. When Ricky left, Holstege assumed he was hanging out with some friends.
But he was with Benoit.
Around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Holstege and his wife got the call. Ricky was at Spectrum Butterworth, the result of an accident.
Doctors sat the couple down to break the news. Ricky didn't make it.
"It took everything out of us," Holstege said.
In a news release, Cedar Spring Police say alcohol does appear to be a contributing factor "on the part of this driver," referring to Benoit.
Secretary of State records show Benoit had a previous drunk driving-related arrest in 2001.
As Leonard Holstege and his wife prepare for their son's funeral, Holstege said he's going to let the courts make the final judgment against Benoit.
"The justice system will take over from here. "
