Hockey player gets probation, service in fatal traffic crash

6/16/2007
BY CHRISTINA HALL
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Callan
Callan

The co-captain of the St. John's Jesuit High School state championship hockey team who admitted his role in the death of a Sylvania tax office employee in a March accident was sentenced to probation and 200 hours of community service.

Michael Callan, 18, of Sylvania, was ordered to complete and participate with the court's victims impact panel; had his driver's license suspended for three years; must prepare a presentation for his peers at St. John's, and pay fines and court costs.

He received a stay on commitment to an Ohio Department of Youth Services facility during disposition of his case this week in Lucas County Juvenile Court before Visiting Judge Richard Knepper.

The judge found Mr. Callan delinquent in connection with aggravated vehicular homicide in the death of Juanita Adams.

Mr. Callan was charged after a two-car accident March 13 at State Rt. 295 and Sylvania Avenue in Richfield Township in which the 55-year-old Swanton woman was killed.

Mrs. Adams' car was southbound on Route 295 when it was struck by a car driven by Mr. Callan, who was westbound on Sylvania. There is a stop sign on Sylvania, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Mr. Callan and his passenger, Finnish exchange student Markus Mitronen, then 17, were treated at area hospitals.

During his arraignment last month, Mr. Callan said he was driving over 75 mph, passed two vehicles, and didn't see the stop sign. He said he entered the intersection and collided with Mrs. Adams' car.

Attorneys for both sides said Mr. Callan was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. He has no prior record.

Mr. Callan could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Mrs. Adams' mother, Joan Gusky, said she was glad Mr. Callan did not receive time in a state facility for the death of her youngest child.

The 79-year-old said she hopes other people Mr. Callan's age learn they cannot exceed the speed limit.

"I hope the young man goes with his programs and is better for it," she said.