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Deadly OWI crash lands woman 7 years in prison

Motorcyclist killed on State Highway 15 in 2017

Kendra K. Bruley, 26, Freedom, was sentenced to seven years in state prison for a 2017 drunken driving crash that killed a motorcyclist on State Highway 15.

Kendra K. Bruley mugshot
Bruley

Outagamie County Judge Mitchell Metropulos on Friday, May 24, also ordered Bruley to serve eight years of extended supervision once she is released from prison.

Bruley pleaded no contest to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle on March 14.

Her sentencing conditions include she must maintain absolute sobriety, write a letter of apology to her victim’s family, participate in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and speak at victim impact panels.

On Aug. 11, 2017, just before 9:30 p.m., Bruley struck a motorcycle driven by 65-year-old Stephen Gebert of Menasha.

Bruley was driving a vehicle east on State Highway 15 near Hyacinth Drive in the town of Greenville when she crossed into the westbound lane and hit Gebert, who was on his way to work.

A witness told an Outagamie County sheriff’s deputy that Bruley “just turned” left in front of Gebert without yielding.

Gebert was airlifted to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. He suffered serious injuries including a collapsed lung, multiple chest contusions, fractured hips, a possible spleen injury and low blood pressure.

Gebert died from his injuries nine days later on Aug. 20, 2017.

Bruley told a Grand Chute police officer she had consumed three or four beers at bars in Hortonville and Greenville before the crash.

Her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit when she was arrested.

Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis said Bruley’s case is “a tragic example” of what happens when people drive impaired and urged the public to drink responsibly before getting behind the wheel.

“As we see all too often across the State of Wisconsin, in the blink of an eye, a person driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can end a life and forever affect the lives of others,” Tempelis said in a statement.

Bruley faced up to 25 years in prison for causing Gebert’s death.

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