Friends Remember Bike Enthusiast Killed When Car Crashed Into Home

The man was described by loved ones as a "steel marshmallow," seemingly tough on the outside but with a gentle heart

Friends mourned the loss of a man they say inspired them to keep their lives on track after he was killed when a car plowed into his bedroom.

Ken Jackson, 60, died when a suspected drunken driver crashed a car through the wall of Jackson’s residence in the 2600 block of Pacato Drive in Mission Viejo while he was sleeping early Sunday morning.

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The driver, Kourosh Keshmiri, 27, of Mission Viejo, is accused of being drunk when he plowed through Jackson’s bedroom with a Cadillac, the car pushing him through the bedroom wall, into the bathroom and underneath the car, police said.

Friends on Monday were struggling to accept the way they lost of Jackson, a recovering alcoholic with whom they credit helping them stay sober.

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“A lot of times, he would show up here and I’d be complaining and he’d say, ‘Are you clean and sober? Because that’s all that matters,’” said Chris “Smokey” Links, who met Jackson at an AA meeting.

Jackson was described as a motorcycle enthusiast who lived and loved to ride, a burly man who was more sensitive than he appeared.

“He looks like a gruff guy, but he’s a steel marshmallow when you get to know him,” friend Sharon Houseworth said.

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The group of friends say they hope there is a message in his loss, one they hope is heard beyond the holidays.

“Before you take that first drink, plan to get a cab,” friend Michele Fegley. “It’s not worth taking a life.”
 

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