A Grove City man was sentenced to jail time Monday after a car accident that killed a passenger.

Damon Lance Remmel, 35, pleaded guilty Feb. 7 in Meeker County District Court to criminal vehicular homicide operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, stemming from a November 2006 accident. Remmel was driving a vehicle that rolled south of Grove City. A passenger, Douglas Richard Andrews of St. Cloud, died of injuries sustained in the accident.

“This is a terrible tragedy. Doug was my best friend. I love him and miss him very much,” Remmel said following the sentencing. “I wish there was something I could do. I wish to apologize to the family.”

Remmel was sentenced to 68 months — 45 months in prison and 23 months on supervised release — but the sentenced was stayed as long as he meets certain conditions, according to Meeker County Attorney Stephanie Beckman.

Remmel will serve a downward departure sentence of one year in Meeker County Jail with credit for time already served. Remmel’s lawyer requested the sentence be staggered over several years since Remmel is the financial supporter of his family. He will also face 10 years probation and more than $5,000 in fines.

Find more from the sentencing hearing, including comments from the Andrews family, in the March 20 Independent Review.