The driver involved in the 2018 crash that killed 19-year-old Nina Colasanto of New Ipswich has been found guilty of vehicular assault.
Travis Olson, 19, of Rindge, plead guilty to the misdemeanor charge last Wednesday and received a 12-month sentence in the House of Corrections, which has been deferred for a year, according to sentencing documents filed at the Cheshire Superior Court. If, after a year, Olson follows other sentencing guidelines, the sentence will be suspended for four years, pending good behavior.
Olson was 17 on Dec. 26, 2018 – Colasanto’s birthday – when the 2017 Tesla Model X he was driving left the roadway and crashed on Perry Road in Rindge, causing the car to split in two and catch fire.
According to Olson’s indictment on the charge, his negligence as the driver of the vehicle contributed significantly to the crash.
Olson and a second passenger, Chelsea Holombo, 17 at the time, were injured but survived. Colasanto died of her injuries on Jan. 19, 2019.
Colasanto’s mother, Christina Bassett, spoke in court Wednesday and said she forgave Olson, the Manchester InkLink reported.
“I choose grace and forgiveness,” Bassett said.
According to court documents, Olson is on probation for the next two years, and must be on good behavior, including no motor vehicle violations.
Other conditions of Olson’s sentence include revocation of his license for 30 days, and performing 100 hours of community service within six months. Olson must also complete a Department of Motor Vehicles safe driver course within three months.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.