Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty In Folly Beach Crash That Killed Charlotte Bride
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – A drunk driver has pleaded guilty to causing the crash that took the life of a newlywed Charlotte bride on Folly Beach in 2022.
Tragic Loss: The Crash That Took a Life
The impact of the crash was so severe that Gregory died at the scene. Her husband and another pedestrian were also struck but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Impaired Driving Leads to a Guilty Plea
An investigation by the Charleston Police Department revealed that Panzarella’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the crash was 0.155%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08%. Panzarella admitted to drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Panzarella initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but on Friday, January 27, 2023, he changed his plea to guilty in exchange for a suspended 20-year sentence. He will serve five years in prison, followed by five years of home confinement with an ankle monitor.
Family’s Heartbreak After Guilty Plea
Gregory’s family expressed their mixed emotions following the guilty plea. While they were pleased that Panzarella had admitted his guilt, they acknowledged that no amount of punishment could truly bring back their beloved Sarah.
“We appreciate the guilty plea and the accountability being taken by Mr. Panzarella, but it doesn’t bring Sarah back,” said Gregory’s sister, Rachel Filges. “Our lives are irrevocably changed by her loss.”
Consequences of Drunk Driving: A Cautionary Tale
The tragic crash has served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. Panzarella’s actions not only ended the life of an innocent woman but also had profound and lasting effects on her family and friends.
The case has also highlighted the importance of holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions. By pleading guilty and accepting the consequences, Panzarella has acknowledged his responsibility in this horrific event.
Actions to Prevent Future Tragedies
In the wake of the crash, Gregory’s family has become passionate advocates for measures to prevent drunk driving. They are working with lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to strengthen penalties and promote responsible consumption of alcohol.
The family has also raised funds to establish the Sarah Gregory Memorial Fund, which supports non-profit organizations dedicated to preventing drunk driving and supporting victims of traffic crashes.
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Responsibility
The tragic crash on Folly Beach has left an immeasurable void in the lives of Sarah Gregory’s family and friends. The guilty plea by Panzarella marks a turning point in this difficult journey, but it cannot erase the pain of their loss.
The case is a sobering reminder that drunk driving is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences. It is our collective responsibility to take action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
