Dany Heatley Gets Probation, Community Service

Dany Heatley has been sentenced to three years' probation and community service for the car crash that killed a team mate in 2003.

The Atlanta Thrashers' star pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide, driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain a lane and speeding. Two other charges were dropped as part of a plea bargain.

Heatley was the driver of a Ferrari that slammed into a wall in Atlanta on September 29, 2003. Dan Snyder, a 25-year-old Thrashers' team mate, was the passenger. Snyder died several days later.

"The mistake I made that night was speeding," Heatley told the court. "This mistake will stay with me the rest of my life."

The judge acknowledged that the wishes of the Snyder family were a factor in the sentencing. The Snyders have publicly forgiven Heatley and asked that he not be sent to prison.

"As a parent, it's hard to explain how you feel about losing your son. My pride in Dan was immeasurable," said Graham Snyder. "We will all miss him. So how do we move on from here? Forgiveness in our hearts has helped us move on. We forgive because Dany has shown remorse to his family."

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