Man sentenced for causing fatal crash

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - A man who was drunk when he caused a crash that left an 18-year-old dead could spend as many as 15 years in prison.

Eleazar Mendoza, 22, of Holland, was sentenced in the Ottawa County Circuit Court to three to 15 years in prison with credit for 46 days served and $198 in costs.

Mendoza struck Bethany Rozema's vehicle near the intersection of 17th Street and Pine Avenue in Holland in the early morning hours of Feb. 23.

Rozema was driving south and went through a flashing yellow traffic light. Mendoza was westbound and failed to stop at a flashing red light, resulting in the collision.

Rozema was taken to Holland Community Hospital, where she later died.

Mendoza suffered minor injuries. Police at the scene smelled alcohol on Mendoza's breath and said he failed a field sobriety test.

In May, Mendoza pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death.