Drunk Driver Leaves Woman Quadriplegic in Heartbreaking Crash
A recent decision by the Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a drunk driver who caused a life-altering accident, leaving a woman quadriplegic. The court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and highlights the ongoing public safety issue in our community.
The convicted individual, 36-year-old Ryann Scott Early, was found guilty in December on eight charges, including causing catastrophic injury while operating a vehicle under the influence and causing catastrophic injury with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Boone Superior Court II Judge Bruce Petit subsequently sentenced Early to 10 years of incarceration, with six to be served in prison and four on probation.
During the trial, Early claimed that he had abstained from alcohol for hours leading up to the crash. However, his blood alcohol concentration was determined to be .142, which is over one and a half times the legal limit, an hour after the accident occurred. The appeals court judge noted that none of the emergency responders or police witnessed Early drinking after the crash, but they did observe him attempting to conceal a liquor bottle. Additionally, other evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that Early was intoxicated before the collision. As a result, the appeal challenging his impairment following the accident was deemed not credible by the court.
The victim of this tragic incident, Sherry Sue Schnee, was driving south of Whitestown when Early’s truck crossed a double yellow line, traveling at a speed of 79 miles per hour in a 40-mile-per-hour zone, and collided with her car. The impact of the crash left Schnee a quadriplegic, completely dependent on assistance for basic care and mobility. Understandably, this outcome has been devastating for Schnee, who used to enjoy activities such as yoga, biking, and hiking.
In the aftermath of the accident, Schnee underwent multiple surgeries and spent weeks as an intensive care patient. To aid in her recovery, her daughter, Erica Schnee, established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the family’s needs. This included modifications to their home, such as installing a wheelchair lift and adapting the bathroom, as well as acquiring a wheelchair-accessible van. Furthermore, the family introduced Sherry to a therapy dog named Captain to provide emotional support during this challenging period.
Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood expressed gratitude for the court of appeals’ decision to uphold Early’s convictions, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant in combating the pervasive issue of drunk driving. Sadly, drunk driving continues to claim the lives of over 10,000 individuals each year in the United States, with Indiana experiencing a recent increase in impaired driving-related fatalities. The catastrophic injuries inflicted upon Sherry Sue Schnee could have been prevented, emphasizing the importance of preventing such crimes from occurring in our community.
In conclusion, the Indiana Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold the conviction of a drunk driver responsible for leaving a woman quadriplegic serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by drunk driving. The devastating consequences faced by the victim highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to combat this pervasive public safety issue. Through raising awareness and enforcing strict penalties, we can work towards preventing similar tragic accidents in the future.
