NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF — Christal and Mark White planned to surprise their daughter Aug. 18 for her 25th birthday.
Instead, the two were in Nashville for a vigil for their daughter Natalie White. She died over the weekend alongside her best friend Holly Wagner.
About Holly: A community mourning two young women killed by an alleged drunk driver
They were in a car on Gallatin Pike when a now-arrested driver ran a red light and collided with their car. Giovanni Bolstad has now been charged with vehicular homicide with intoxication. He was previously convicted of driving under the influence charge in 2023.
Her parents said she had a big celebration for her birthday.
"Now to think about burying our child," her mom Christal said.
Her dad talked to Natalie and Holly on Saturday, which was his birthday. The duo had just moved in together and FaceTimed him a tour of their complex.
"I am broken. But being here with all these people makes me a little less broken," Mark said.
While in Nashville, the Whites visited the Nashville District Attorney's Office. They said they wanted to see the driver arrested and prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law.
"It's just senseless," Christal said. "Don't drink and drive. We are reaching out to Mothers Against Drunk Driving for support for us in a way to try and deal with this. How was he even behind the wheel? Who didn't take his keys?
Boldstad's next court date is Aug. 15, three days before Natalie's birthday.
Journalism is at its best when we can shine a light on an issue that needs more attention. Once again, Hannah McDonald does this beautifully by highlighting the hardships of teens aging out of the foster care system. I learned something new in her reporting and am inspired by the work I AM NEXT is doing to make a difference. I think you will be too!
-Carrie Sharp
