John O’Leary welcomes Harold Dennis Jr., a survivor of one of the deadliest drunk-driving tragedies in U.S. history, to the Live Inspired Podcast to share his story of loss, recovery, forgiveness, and hope.
Harold Dennis Jr. is a survivor of the Carrollton Bus Crash, one of the deadliest drunk-driving tragedies in U.S. history. He was just 14 years old when everything changed. What followed was a long road through loss, injury, and grief, and a remarkable journey of resilience. Harold went on to become a college athlete, a nationally recognized example of courage in sports, a medical professional, a husband, a father, and living proof that devastation does not get the final word.
Today, Harold Dennis Jr. shares what it took to survive, forgive, and begin again. He opens up about losing his best friend, wrestling with anger and unanswered questions, and choosing forgiveness when it felt impossible. This conversation is honest, unfiltered, and deeply human.
My friends, if you’re carrying quiet pain, struggling to move forward, or wondering if hope still belongs to you, this conversation is for you. You’ll be reminded that healing takes time, forgiveness can be freeing, and your story is still being written.
Subscribe & listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio or listen here:
Or click here to watch the full conversation on YouTube!
SHOW NOTES:
- Growing up in a Kentucky mobile home park, Harold Dennis Jr. learned early about grit, loyalty, and the quiet strength that comes from community, long before tragedy entered his story.
- May 14, 1988: A joyful church trip to King’s Island began with laughter, funnel cakes, and friendship, then ended in a head-on collision with a wrong-way drunk driver that would change everything.
- The Carrollton Bus Crash claimed 27 lives, including Harold’s best friend Andy, and left the bus engulfed in flames within moments, turning survival into a matter of seconds.
- Trapped in the chaos, Harold clawed his way toward the back of the bus, was pulled free by a stranger, and ran blindly from the wreckage with burns covering his face and body.
- Months in the hospital followed, along with the devastating moment Harold first saw his reflection, forcing him to confront not only physical scars but the fear that his future had been taken from him.
- Determined to reclaim normalcy, Harold returned to sports, eventually becoming a three-sport athlete, a state champion, and later a college football player in the SEC, living out the dreams he once shared with Andy.
- Love enters the story when Harold meets Donna, who looks beyond the scars and reminds him that confidence, courage, and character are what truly define a person.
- Choosing forgiveness becomes a turning point, including writing a letter to the drunk driver who caused the crash, not to excuse the pain, but to release himself and move forward with hope.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Jeanne Bishop. Jeanne shares her own journey of forgiveness after the murder of her sister and brother-in-law, and she also tells the unbelievable story of an unlikely friendship formed in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. It is a profound reminder that reconciliation can bring freedom, even after unimaginable loss. Listen to Jeanne Bishop on ep. 246.
***
About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
HAROLD DENNIS JR.'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Atomic Habits by James Clear. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Being carefree. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Our safe. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My friend Andy. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. From my college football coach Bill Curry: There are two types of pain in life. The pain of discipline and the pain of regret. You choose the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. It's going to be alright. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. Harold was thrust into a scenario of which he had no control. And somehow, by the grace of God, he came through it. As others were not so fortunate, he made it his life's mission that their lives would not be lost in vain and continues to live a life inspiring and leaving footprints.
