JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville man involved in a Christmas Day crash that left a grandfather dead and his grandchildren injured was recently sentenced to spend a decade in prison.
Wayne Syverud hung his head in court on Monday as details of the crash that killed 48-year-old David Kenna, of Tampa, critically injured two of his grandchildren, and sent his wife and a third child to area hospitals were reviewed.
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Syverud pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and DUI bodily harm shortly after the 2005 crash.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Syverud was driving west on State Road 210 at about 6 p.m. when he crossed the centerline and traveled into oncoming traffic.
The first of the two cars Syverud hit swerved off the road to avoid the collision, but was struck in the rear. The driver and passengers in that car -- John and Margo Aguilera and their 21-month-old son, Matthew -- were injured.
Syverud's car then ran into another car, killing Kenna and injuring his grandchildren.
"The 20 minutes I was away from my children Christmas Day has forever changed us. We plan our days around doctors' visits and surgeries," said the children's mother, Kenna's daughter, Kelly Robinson.
She said she and her children would never be the same.
"All we ask is that the sentence given by the court today in this matter match the crimes that were committed," Robinson said.
Syverud wiped his eyes as he stood in front of the court and the judge spoke to him about the wreck on Christmas Day.
The judge called Syverud's record impeccable, noting the man had been a sergeant in the military and spent time in Iraq. However, the judge said those things could not make what happened any less tragic.
"For the Kenna family and the Robinson family, and in fact your family Mr. Syverud, the day is going to be forever marked by tragedy and by sorrow," the St. Johns County judge said.
In addition to 10 years in prison, Syverud will lose his license forever, pay a $25,000 fine, complete 100 hours of community service and will also be on probation for 15 years after his release from prison.
Previous Stories:
- December 27, 2005: Man Charged With DUI After Fatal Christmas Crash