State Rep. William Bruck today introduced legislation to rename a portion of M-50 in Monroe County in honor of Animal Control Officer Darrian Young, who lost her life in June 2020 after being struck by a suspected drunken driver while on duty.

House Bill 4100 would designate the stretch of M-50 between Herr Road and Strasburg Road as the “Animal Control Officer Darrian Young Memorial Highway.” The dedication would serve as a lasting tribute to Darrian’s service to the community.

“Darrian Young dedicated her life to protecting and caring for animals, and she was taken from us far too soon,” said Bruck, R-Erie. “Her commitment to her work, her love for animals, and her selfless service to Monroe County deserve to be recognized and remembered. Renaming this portion of M-50 in her honor is a small but meaningful way to ensure her legacy lives on.”

Officer Young, who was just 24 years old at the time of her passing, was a devoted animal lover who had a special passion for horses. She began riding at the age of five and won two regional championships by the time she was 12. As a member of the Airport High School equestrian team, she competed at the state level for two years.

Darrian owned, trained, and rehomed over 100 horses — often rescuing horses from difficult situations, training them, and finding them new homes. She had recently achieved her dream of owning a horse farm with her fiancé and was planning her wedding when the tragedy occurred.

“Darrian embodied kindness, dedication, and a passion for making a difference,” Bruck said. “A highway dedication is a small way for our community to show its gratitude, and it would serve as a lasting reminder of her contributions. It will also serve as a lasting reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence, which in Darrian’s case ended her service here on earth way too prematurely.”

House Bill 4100 has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for consideration.

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