Driver found guilty in crash that killed rising U.S. cyclist Magnus White
Cycling
Almost two years after the tragic loss of American cycling prospect Magnus White, justice has been delivered. A Boulder County jury has found Yeva Smilianska guilty of reckless vehicular homicide following the collision that claimed White’s life on July 29, 2023.
White, just 17 years old at the time, was on a training ride along Colorado State Highway 119 when he was struck from behind by Smilianska’s vehicle. He later died from his injuries.
The case, which has drawn attention across the cycling world, concluded with a guilty verdict on Friday. According to court documents, Smilianska appeared to have fallen asleep behind the wheel.
Investigators noted in an arrest affidavit that “based on the totality of circumstances, it appears most likely that Smilianska was asleep at the time of the crash.”
Prosecutors laid out a troubling timeline of events leading up to the collision. Speaking in court, one prosecutor said, “On July 29, 2023, the defendant recklessly drove her car, smashing into the back of Magnus White’s bicycle, killing him,” according to The Denver Post.
“The defendant stayed up all night, drinking with the friend and got little sleep before deciding to get on 119.
“She swerves two times, and then on the last time, she crashes right into the back of him, sending him flying in the air.”
Smilianska will return to court on June 13 for sentencing. She faces a possible prison sentence of two to six years. However, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty confirmed that the charge is probation-eligible, meaning the judge could impose a non-custodial sentence.
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