Cameras were in the courtroom July 25 for a sentencing hearing for Adam Langan, a man who pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death.
Doreen Chaikowsky, 71, was killed in the August 2013 crash on McPhillips Avenue in Winnipeg.
Eleven months after her death, the family is still grieving her loss.
“Very difficult for the whole family because she was such a wonderful person,” said Doug, Doreen Chaikowsky’s brother-in-law.
“She took care of everyone...and was always helping everyone,” Doug said.
The chain-reaction crash involving seven vehicles in 2013 killed Chaikowsky and sent five others to the hospital. Police took Langan into custody at the scene. He was then charged.
“This sentencing should be to the fullest extent of the law,” said Doug on Friday morning.
He said he hopes Langan goes to jail for a long time, and hopes he serves the maximum sentence.
“It will happen again because people don’t learn,” he said. “We’re hoping this case will be used as a precedent for the future.”
The Crown and defence both requested Langan be sentenced to four and a half years.
Family members of Chaikowsky read out a victim impact statement Friday afternoon.
"Four and half years is not worth her life. She had a lot more life left in her," said Jonas Chaikowsky, her son.
"Few people can understand the shock and pain when the police show up and tell you a loved one has passed," said Debbie Leah, her daughter-in-law.
Relatives said Doreen was often a designated driver, helping to ensure others got home safely.
Langan's defence lawyer told the court his client is remorseful and sorry he caused Doreen's death.
The judge has reserved his decision in the case.
- with a report from Beth Macdonell
