Driver In Crash That Injured 4 Teenagers Sentenced For DUI
Apr 26, 2021, 6:33 PM | Updated: 8:36 pm
LOGAN, Utah – A convicted drunk driver was sentenced to at least two years behind bars, for a crash that critically injured four teens in Logan Canyon.
One of the teens, Sarah Frei, lost both of her legs.
Frei took the stand Monday as the man who was found guilty of striking her and three of her friends was sentenced for driving under the influence.
Each of the teens suffered significant injuries and trauma.
They said it was important that Dustin Andersen get the maximum sentence so that he gets the message, and to protect others.
I’m watching a sentencing hearing for Dustin Andersen, who drove drunk, hitting a car with four teens inside in Logan canyon almost a year ago. You may remember, Sarah Frei, who lost her legs due to injuries from the crash was one of those teens. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/4Z2w2KOCHQ
— Mike Anderson (@mikeandersonKSL) April 26, 2021
The impact of one crash was staggering to see, but Frei’s positive outlook has inspired thousands of people who have been following her online.
“Our incident that happened can impact so many other people for the good,” she said.
Inside the courtroom, she shared how life has changed. She can’t be nearly as active as she’d like, and she said people treat her differently.
“Which is extra hard, because I feel like I haven’t changed,” Frei said. “I feel like I’m still the same person, which makes it 10 times harder.”
Andersen’s blood alcohol level tested four times the legal limit on the night of the crash in July 2020.
He told the victims and judge, that he was sorry for what happened, and that he is overcoming his addiction.
“I’m especially, extremely sorry to those who suffered injuries,” he said.
The judge gave Andersen the maximum sentence – two consecutive zero to five-year sentences. Prosecutors said because of state parole guidelines, he would likely serve just over two years total.
“I never pictured me and my best friends in this position,” said Brooke Watson, who was also in the crash.
The four teens injured in the crash said they were looking forward.
“Just make the best out of everything, right? Whatever happens, happens – and it’s kind of like, what we choose to do with it that really reflects us,” said Taevey Davis.
It’s how the close friends have made the best of things as they share their strength with others.
“That’s part of the reason I’ve been able to stay so happy, is because of the people that have been impacted positively,” Frei said.
A parole board will ultimately have the leeway to extend Andersen’s sentence. His first hearing was expected in about a year.
