Driver who killed man in Calgary hit and run gets 6 years in prison

A 33-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison Friday in connection with a deadly February crash in southwest Calgary.

Derek Brian Grouette pleaded guilty in a Calgary courtroom Friday. He told the court he regrets fleeing the scene of the crash and plans to turn his life around.

On Feb. 18, Grouette was behind the wheel of a truck had been travelling southbound in the northbound lanes of 37 Street S.W. when it collided with a car at 130 Avenue.

READ MORE: Canada-wide warrant issued for man wanted in fatal Calgary hit-and-run

Everyone in the truck ran from the scene and police believe the vehicle had been stolen from Chestermere prior to the crash. Grouette was on the run for six months.

READ MORE: Man wanted for fatal hit-and-run in Calgary found near Red Deer

The 52-year-old driver of the car, Keith Morley, died on scene.

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Morley’s three siblings were in court today for the sentencing, including his brother Bruce Morley.

“Hopefully he will take this time to straighten out his life,” he said. “He made a promise to us that he would.

“For all the harm and chaos, I hope and pray to God he does.”

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“For Keith, this would be the silver lining in the clouds – if Derek could do that,” Keith’s sister, Carol Morley, said.

Two other people were charged in connection with the events leading up to the crash.

In May, Janelle Umpherville, 26,  pleaded guilty to a string of charges including possession of stolen property – a 17-year-old male was also charged.