07-03-2004, 02:28 AM
Lawyer expects Thrashers' Heatley to be charged in fatal wreck
July 2, 2004
ATLANTA, United States (AFP) - The attorney for Atlanta Thrashers right wing Dany Heatley said he expects the National Hockey League player to be indicted in the September 2003 car accident that killed teammate Dan Snyder.
Attorney Don Samuel told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Fulton County District Attorney's office has not returned repeated telephone calls. But he told the newspaper, "We knew the DA would make a decision (to indict). It hardly comes as a surprise."
The newspaper also reported on its website that the district attorney's office has told the Snyder family that an indictment will be sought.
The most serious charge Heatley could face is vehicular homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Last September 29, Heatley was driving his Ferrari around 80 miles per hour (125 km/h) when it struck a pillar, police say.
Snyder, a passenger in the car, suffered massive brain injuries, never regained consciousness and died six days later. He was 25.
Tests showed that Heatley's blood-alcohol level was well below the legal limit, and Snyder's family has supported Heatley.
Heatley suffered a broken jaw and torn ligaments in his right knee in the accident. The 23-year-old Canadian did not return to the lineup until January 28 and totaled 13 goals and 12 assists in 31 games.
Once one of the NHL's emerging stars, Heatley burst on the scene in February 2003 when he tied a record with four goals in the All-Star Game, winning MVP honors.
The former first-round draft pick was ninth in the league in scoring in 2002-03 with 41 goals and 48 assists in 77 games.
July 2, 2004
ATLANTA, United States (AFP) - The attorney for Atlanta Thrashers right wing Dany Heatley said he expects the National Hockey League player to be indicted in the September 2003 car accident that killed teammate Dan Snyder.
Attorney Don Samuel told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Fulton County District Attorney's office has not returned repeated telephone calls. But he told the newspaper, "We knew the DA would make a decision (to indict). It hardly comes as a surprise."
The newspaper also reported on its website that the district attorney's office has told the Snyder family that an indictment will be sought.
The most serious charge Heatley could face is vehicular homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Last September 29, Heatley was driving his Ferrari around 80 miles per hour (125 km/h) when it struck a pillar, police say.
Snyder, a passenger in the car, suffered massive brain injuries, never regained consciousness and died six days later. He was 25.
Tests showed that Heatley's blood-alcohol level was well below the legal limit, and Snyder's family has supported Heatley.
Heatley suffered a broken jaw and torn ligaments in his right knee in the accident. The 23-year-old Canadian did not return to the lineup until January 28 and totaled 13 goals and 12 assists in 31 games.
Once one of the NHL's emerging stars, Heatley burst on the scene in February 2003 when he tied a record with four goals in the All-Star Game, winning MVP honors.
The former first-round draft pick was ninth in the league in scoring in 2002-03 with 41 goals and 48 assists in 77 games.