VERO BEACH, Fla. — A woman has been sentenced to three years in prison for causing a fatal crash at a Christmas parade nearly four years ago.
Susan Harvey, 76, pleaded no contest to multiple charges including DUI and manslaughter. On Dec. 4, 2021, Harvey struck John and Mary Berrigan along Ocean Drive while they were placing chairs in their vehicle after the parade.
Circuit Judge Robert Meadows found her guilty on all counts. Mary Berrigan succumbed to her injuries weeks later. During the sentencing, John Berrigan expressed forgiveness towards Harvey, stating that he and his family chose to release any animosity.
“After much thought and discussion with my family, we do not feel as though we should hold any animosity,” Berrigan told WPTV.
In addition to her prison sentence, Harvey received 10 years of probation and had her driver's license permanently revoked. The incident intensified public awareness regarding impaired driving, prompting local authorities to reinforce education and prevention efforts.
No other injuries were reported, and the investigation has concluded with charges settled.