A former ambulance driver was sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday for his role in a 2021 crash that killed a 66-year-old patient.
Kevin Tirrel McCorvey admitted to police that he had smoked marijuana, took Adderall and was drinking a beer as he drove the ambulance that crashed Nov. 12, 2021, in Fairburn, according to a police report. The non-emergency patient, Wilton Thomason Jr., died while riding unrestrained on a gurney.
McCorvey was able to walk out of the Fulton County courthouse Tuesday after he reached a plea agreement that reduced his 13-count indictment to three counts, according to Channel 2 Action News. He was allowed to get his affairs in order before having to surrender in two weeks.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
The May 2022 indictment accused him of first-degree vehicular homicide and DUI for having alcohol and cocaine in his system and failing to properly secure Thomason. McCorvey did not put shoulder straps on the patient, the indictment alleged, something that was a “gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would exercise in the situation.”
“The defendant betrayed a position of trust, resulting in the tragic loss of a cherished family member,” Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said in a statement.
The ambulance was found by traffic investigators overturned in a ditch after it veered off the road, authorities said. Investigators determined that Thomason, who was being taken back to his nursing home from a kidney dialysis appointment, was thrown around inside as the vehicle rolled down an embankment. He was secured only by leg restraints, which came undone during the crash. He died from blunt force trauma, prosecutors said.
According to the indictment, McCorvey, who was 34 at the time, had an open container of malt liquor in his possession while driving. Following the crash, authorities said both he and another crew member tried to call an Uber to leave but were told to stay by responding law enforcement. McCorvey was arrested at the scene after state troopers performed a field sobriety test.
He was ultimately convicted of homicide by vehicle, reckless conduct and reckless driving, records show. After his prison stint, McCorvey was ordered to serve the remainder of his 15-year sentence on probation.
McCorvey, a second crew member and Prime Care EMS — the private company for which McCorvey worked were sued by Thomason’s family after the crash. On Tuesday, their attorney alleged that the ambulance company was not registered to operate, didn’t have insurance and had inadequately trained staff, Channel 2 reported.
The family released a statement Wednesday through the DA’s office, saying this tragedy has left a void in their lives “that can never be filled.”
“He went from being celebrated to being mourned, from being present to being missed. I want to acknowledge the judge and prosecutors who have ensured that my family and I receive justice. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your dedication to upholding the principles of justice,” the victim impact statement read. “To the defendant, I want you to know that my prayers will continue to be with you. In the midst of this difficult time, I hope you find a path towards redemption and healing.”
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