Omaha driver gets jail time in crash that killed Millard West sophomore

A driver was sentenced after a crash that killed a Millard West High School sophomore.

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Omaha driver gets jail time in crash that killed Millard West student

OMAHA, Neb. —

The driver convicted in a crash that killed a Millard West High School student will serve time behind bars.

Christopher Luke was sentenced to one year in jail for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide in the crash, which killed 16-year-old Elise Cole in April.

Millard West community remembers Elise Cole

Investigators said a 2006 Ford F-350, driven by 32-year-old Christopher Luke, ran a red light before colliding with a 2017 Subaru Outback, which was driven by Cole.

Cole was a sophomore at Millard West High School.

At the sentencing, prosecutors said a blood draw showed Luke had alcohol in his system and officers found several empty shooters in the seat of the car. Luke’s attorneys said his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit.

Luke, who does have a prior DUI conviction, initially denied consuming alcohol, then later admitted to drinking the night before, and then drinking a beer over lunch, according to prosecutors.

His attorneys said Luke is remorseful for the incident and has stopped drinking since the crash.

“I know nothing I can say can undo what I did. I could never imagine the pain that people feel. I will never be able to live with myself,” Luke said.

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