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A 22-year-old Fairfax man was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of DUI involuntary manslaughter. Christopher Plaiser crashed his car Nov. 28, 2007 after having drinks with his buddies at a few local bars.
Among the passengers in the car was 18-year-old Morgan E. Cook who died after battling traumatic injuries for five days. According to her parents, who spent her last days with her at the hospital, Morgan was fighting for her life for five days, but finally let go when her kidneys began to fail.
Morgan’s mother spoke to Plaiser in court, expressing her grief and anger. “Chris, you stole the most precious gift we ever had. Morgan trusted you to drive responsibly and you failed her.”
Daniel Fath, 23, also a passenger in the vehicle, suffered traumatic brain injuries in the accident. According to Fath’s family, Plasier’s decision to drive while intoxicated has changed Fath’s life forever. He is now living in a vegetative state in a nursing home in Alexandria.
His family members also spoke at court, expressing their sadness and grief. Fath, although able to open his eyes and move slightly, has lost the ability to respond.
According to reports, Plaiser has expressed great remorse for his actions, and said he would do anything to be able to switch places with either one of his friends. Reports also noted that he cried and told both family and friends how much he loved Morgan and Fath.
It was an emotional day in court as the prosecutor accused Plaiser of hurting those closest to him.
According to reports, the group of young friends decided to go out for a night on the town that November evening. Plaiser said they went to a few bars where the waitress served them alcohol, even though some of them, including Morgan, were not of legal age.
After leaving the bars, they bought more alcohol at the store and were headed back to one of their homes. Plaiser, who was driving his parent’s BMV admitted to speeding excessively with the radio blasting. Another passenger stated that Plaiser was driving at speeds in excess of 75 miles an hour moments before the crash.
According to police reports, Pliaser’s vehicle slammed into a tree, seven feet off the ground.
(Source: Fairfax Station Connection)
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