SASKATOON -- An impaired driver who killed an 11-year-old girl in a crash near Warman has been sentenced.
The Schnurr family was driving on Highway 305 toward Warman just before Christmas in 2018.
Anthony McClelland from Martensville was driving in the wrong lane and speeding 50 kilometres over the speed limit when the vehicles collided head on.
Eleven-year-old Sophie Schnurr died and her mother and sister sustained multiple injuries.
Court documents say McCllelland had a blood alcohol level that exceeded 80mg of alcohol two hours after the collision.
He pleaded guilty last November. McCelland, now 33 years-old, is sentenced to four years in prison and is banned from driving for three years.
The family says Sophie had a big heart with dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
“They continue to be devastated by this. Several family members read heart breaking, heart wrenching victim impact statements. I think this is something they are going to deal with for the rest of their lives,” said Senior Crown Prosecutor John Knox.
Knox wrote down one statement that will stay with him throughout his career.
“One of the family members said, ‘When will we put an end to this?’ And it was a very powerful moment. It’s a sentiment I share. These are one of the crimes I don’t understand. Why do we continue to see so much of it in the community?”
Linda and Lou Van De Vorst know what its like to lose family to drunk driving. They lost their son and his family four years ago.
“(A precious life) was taken because somebody didn’t take the responsibility to plan a safe ride home,” said Linda Van De Vorst.
“It is a terrible thing to lose someone like that. This was something that could have been prevented. It’s just so needless that its beyond words,” added Lou.
Both are pleading to the public to stop drinking and driving and report those who choose to drive impaired.
“The fact that we have a right as individuals to take a stand. When we see someone that is impaired, do the socially responsible thing and stop that individual or call 911,” said Linda.
