A truck driver accused of causing a fatal crash while taking a Facebook quiz was convicted on six counts by a jury in Michigan.
The jury’s decision was announced on Friday, October 13th.
The initial accident took place back on July 8, 2015, when 41-year-old Kroger truck driver Alpha Oumar Diallo crashed into stopped traffic on U.S. 23 in Ann Arbor. Witnesses say Diallo did not slow down before plowing into a Toyota Corolla and a Chevy Impala. The accident killed an 83-year-old woman and seriously injured two others.
According to Michigan Live, investigators performed a forensic search of Diallo’s cell phone and discovered that he was using Facebook at the time of the crash. Authorities say moments before the fatal crash, Diallo opened a link for a Facebook quiz entitled, “What Country in the World Best Fits Your Personality.”
Authorities also found evidence of painkillers in Diallo’s blood after the accident.
In total, Diallo faced 9 charges including operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, reckless driving causing death, moving violation causing death, and six others.
At trial, Diallo testified to taking oxycodone the night before the crash after fasting for Ramadan, in order to treat severe pain caused by his sickle cell anemia. He had a doctor’s prescription for the pain killer.
He told the court that he did not remember using Facebook or taking a quiz at the time of the crash.
He also admitted that he was speeding, testifying that his truck’s cruise control was set to 65 mph even though the speed limit on the road was 60 mph for trucks.
Diallo says he attempted to pass another truck with his cruise control on, and did not notice that traffic was backed up because of construction.
Diallo was reportedly in tears as he testified in court. “I wish you met me before the accident. I wish I could take this back,” he told members of the jury.
After a four day trial, the jury found Diallo not guilty on three driving while intoxicated charges, but found him guilty on six other charges; three felony reckless driving charges and three misdemeanor moving violations.
Diallo is currently free on $25,000 bound. His sentencing date is set for December 6th and he faces up to 15 years in prison for the accident.
