Trucker jailed for role in fatal Lenawee crash

3/17/2001

ADRIAN -- A 27-year-old Byron Center man will spend six months in jail and five years on probation for his involvement in a July 14 crash that killed an elderly couple.

Daniel Bylsma was sentenced in Lenawee County Circuit Court Thursday for two counts of negligent homicide. He was ordered to pay $1,760 in court costs and fees.

Bylsma was one of two drivers accused of causing the accident on U.S. 223 at Devil's Lake Highway in Woodstock Township that killed Ester and Reed Wotring, both 78, of Blissfield.

Bylsma's tractor-trailer was eastbound on U.S. 223 when it struck the rear of the Wotrings' minivan, which had slowed for a car. The minivan was pushed into the oncoming lane, where it was struck by a second semi that was driven by Dean Watkins, 35, of Erie, Pa. Both men were charged.