'I made a horrible choice': Former Whitefish Bay school official sentenced for fatal OWI crash

WEST BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A former Whitefish Bay school official learned her fate in court Monday, Dec. 15.

Fifty-two-year-old Rebecca Salomon was convicted of drunk driving, resulting in death.

It was an emotional day in court as Salomon was sentenced to six years in prison and three years of probation.

Judge Ryan Hetzel says courts are taking OWIs and OWI deaths more seriously, and even with her good character, he wanted to send a message to the community.

This comes almost one year after police say Salomon hit another car after failing to stop at a stop sign.

According to a criminal complaint, Washington County sheriff’s deputies found David Cournia unresponsive inside of his Chevy Impala on Dec. 29, 2024.

He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries five days later.

Officials say Salomon admitted to drinking at a tavern before driving, having had three margaritas.

Salomon spoke to the court, apologizing to the victim's family, her family, and the school community she once served.

"I never intended to hurt anyone that night, but I made a horrible choice that resulted in a terrible tragedy," said Salomon.

The victim's widow expressed how losing her husband has impacted every aspect of her life.

"Dave always understood just what I needed and how to help me. Without him, it's even more of a struggle for me to get off of the couch or get out of bed. I struggle to want to stay alive in a world without the man who made my life worth living," said Lana Cournia.

Along with the sentence, Judge Hetzel also honored the request of the victim's wife to have Salomon speak at schools about the dangers of drunk driving.