After seeing death after death, we here at 11 News felt compelled to take a proactive approach to the underage drinking problem.

In just one month, five people were killed, and authorities say all at the hands of suspected drunk drivers.

That's why we're bringing you 11 Cares: Under The Influence.
Natalie Pallone tells their stories.

A cheerleader, a football coach, a young mother, an innocent baby, and a 16- year-old girl... all with one thing in common. They died in horrific crashes at the hands of suspected drunk drivers.

On February, 8 Mesa State Student Samantha Loy was driving drunk and rolled her car on I–70.

The beautiful beauty queen was ejected and killed.

Then just seven days later, John Fullmer IV lost his life when police say his good friend Jesse Reed drove drunk and slammed into a light pole.

And 11 days after that, Grand Junction teenager Diana Luttrall was fatally injured when the car she was in crashed. Police say the young man driving that car was under the influence.

Then, 48 hours later 21–year–old Shandi Boetel and her 6–month–old daughter Natalia were killed when authorities say 20–year–old Derrick Maxfield hit their truck going at least 70 miles per hour.

He had had more than twice the legal limit to drink.

Crash after crash, death after death, it was a bloody month. One that officials hope will get the word out that drinking and driving don't mix.

For 11 Cares, Natalie Pallone.