Former professional wrestler Tammy "Sunny" Sytch has been given a prison sentence of over 17 years for causing a fatal car accident while driving under the influence. The incident, which occurred in Volusia County, Florida in March 2022, resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man. Sytch's blood alcohol level was found to be four times the legal limit at the time of the collision, and she also had an unsealed bottle of vodka and cannabis in her system.
Sytch, who was honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, entered a plea of no contest to charges of driving under the influence manslaughter and other offenses in August. At her sentencing hearing on Monday, she expressed deep remorse and regret for the loss of Julian LaFrancis Lasseter's life.
The judge imposed a sentence that includes more than 17 years of incarceration and eight years of probation upon release. Sytch, 50, had previously faced the possibility of more than 25 years in prison. It was revealed that she had a history of DUI arrests in Pennsylvania, where her driver's license had been suspended, and she did not possess a valid Florida driver's license.
"The defendant's history of drinking and driving is a cause for concern," said State Attorney R.J. Larizza in a statement following the sentencing. "It was inevitable that her intoxicated driving would result in the loss of an innocent life."
Lasseter's family has also initiated a civil lawsuit against Sytch, as reported by WKMG here.
Sytch initially signed a contract with the WWE in 1995 and quickly gained popularity among fans. She also worked as a manager for other WWE personalities and was involved in broadcasting.
