A tragic incident in Council Bluffs, Iowa, has left a family in mourning after a 70-year-old father, Michael Sales, was killed by a drunk driver while driving home from work in September 2024. The collision, which occurred when Rachel Bickerstaff rear-ended Sales’ car at high speed, not only claimed his life but also resulted in the deaths of Bickerstaff’s three young children.
The Fatal Crash
Prosecutors revealed that Bickerstaff, the driver responsible for the fatal crash, was speeding at a shocking 139 mph just moments before the collision. Upon impact, Sales’ vehicle caught on fire, and tragically, Bickerstaff’s three children—ranging in age from a newborn to 5 years old—died as a result of the crash. Sales, who was known for his dedication to his family, was killed in the incident, leaving his loved ones devastated.
A Heart-Wrenching Family Legacy
As the Sales family faces the unimaginable loss of Michael, a painful and eerily similar tragedy from a previous generation has emerged. Michael Sales’ mother was also killed by a drunk driver when Michael was just 2 years old. His daughter, Laura Sales, shared the emotional impact of the tragedy during court proceedings, revealing how the loss of her father mirrored the grief he endured as a child.
“My grandmother was killed by a drunk driver when he was just 2 years old,” Laura said, adding that Michael had grown up as an only child on a farm in Crescent, Iowa. She described how her father, despite his own heartbreaking past, had always been there for his family, playing a pivotal role in her life.
“He read to me every night when I was a little girl, he held my hand when I was scared, and he played with me until I fell asleep. He never missed a game, a recital, or a single moment that mattered,” Laura Sales tearfully shared in the court video.
The Sentence and Legal Outcome
On June 18, 2025, Rachel Bickerstaff, the driver responsible for the crash, was sentenced to 140-180 years in prison for her actions. In addition to her prison sentence, she was also revoked of her driver’s license for 15 years. Under the terms of her sentence, she will be eligible for parole after serving 70 years of her sentence.
The Sales family’s tragic loss not only highlights the devastating impact of drunk driving but also underscores the painful, generational grief that has affected them. Michael Sales’ death, just as his mother’s before him, has left a void in the hearts of his family members, particularly his daughter, who is now left to cope with the same sorrow her father experienced as a child.
The Ongoing Impact of Drunk Driving
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of driving under the influence. Drunk driving not only affects the victims and their families but also devastates entire communities. The sentence of Rachel Bickerstaff brings some justice to the Sales family, but no legal ruling can erase the pain of losing loved ones in such a senseless and avoidable way.
As the family navigates their grief, they continue to honor Michael Sales’ memory, cherishing the moments he gave them and the legacy of love he left behind.
