Last week a resolution was reached in a tragic case that arose out of a vehicle crash that occurred just over one year ago. A vehicle, driven by Bryce Barnhart, age 19, crashed on Aladdin Rd about 7 miles north of Colville. Matt Clark, age 21, was a passenger in the vehicle.

The investigation, conducted by the Washington State Patrol, revealed that both young men had been drinking. The crash occurred when the vehicle went just off the lip of the pavement and then came back onto the highway at an angle. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle went sideways in the road and flipped over, ejecting Mr. Clark. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

The State Patrol did not find any evidence that excessive speed or reckless driving was involved. It was reported that Mr. Barnhart cooperated with the investigation and took responsibility for his driving after drinking. Blood tests revealed both young men had blood alcohol levels of .11, which is over the legal limit of .08.

Judge Nielson listened to the statements of family members and people who knew Matt. He was part of a close-knit family. The victim impact statements were moving and revealed the loss to the family and the effect this tragedy has had on them.

After listening to the statements of the family and friends of Matt Clark, Judge Nielson listened to the family of Mr. Barnhart. The court also heard from the state and the defense attorney. Mr. Barnhart made a statement expressing his remorse for what had happened.

After listening to all the statements of the families and the attorneys, Judge Nielson reviewed the facts. He noted that this kind of car crash has happened to sober drivers. He noted the results of similar cases in Washington and talked about the deterrent value of sentencing and how the laws had changed in the more than 30 years he had been involved in the justice system.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Nielson handed down a sentence of 28 months in prison. Mr. Barnhart asked to report to the jail later in the month, but Judge Nielson indicated confinement should begin immediately. Mr. Barnhart was taken into custody at the close of the hearing.

This tragedy has affected two families and forever altered many lives.