Cody Van HersettOREGON, OH (WTOL) - A man accused of vehicular homicide in the death of a popular Clay High School hockey player was sentenced Monday in the Oregon Municipal Court.
Earlier this month, investigators said Lyle Schmidt, 78, pulled his semi in front of 16-year-old Cody Van Hersett at the intersection of Wynn and Navarre. Van Hersett slammed his pickup into the side of the truck and died at the scene.
Schmidt pleaded no contest in the death of Van Hersett. A judge found Schmidt guilty with a second degree misdemeanor charge of vehicular homicide.
In court, Schmidt said he was sorry it happened. Then Van Hersett's mother, Michelle, read an emotional statement saying his unexpected death was an unimaginable nightmare. She said she hopes no other family will have to endure the pain her family has.
"Although a mother's bond cannot be broken, my baby was ripped from our lives without warning. Without a last hug, goodbye, look, farewell or 'I love you.' We're all left with the question of ‘Why? Why him? Why now?'" said Van Hersett.
The Clay High School sophomore was an honor roll student and a hockey player who touched many lives, including his two younger brothers. Michelle Van Hersett said he enjoyed jet-skiing, snowmobiling and wanted to become a pilot.
Schmidt was sentenced to 90 days in jail with two years probation featuring community service, allowed in his home state of Wisconsin. He will also have to pay a $750 fine and his commercial driving license will be suspended for two years.
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