LAS VEGAS – Zaon Collins, the once-recruited young star basketball player for UNLV, will be commencing three years of probation as part of a plea bargain related to the fatal high-speed car crash in December 2020. In a court appearance, Judge Tara Clark Newberry sentenced Collins to the maximum term of 28 to 72 months on the count of reckless driving. Additionally, he was fined $3,500 and ordered to perform community service.

Before receiving his sentence, Collins addressed the court and expressed his deepest apologies to the family affected by the accident. He acknowledged the pain he caused and vowed to mature and learn from the experience. Collins expressed his desire to use his story to help young people make better decisions and avoid similar mistakes.

The terms of probation were outlined, and Collins was urged to stay away from the victim’s family, who had approved the sentencing agreement. Collins is required to enroll in mental health and substance abuse counseling before his next court appearance on September 28. Judge Clark Newberry suggested that his community service should focus on preventing drunk driving.

Despite significant delays in the case due to attempts to dismiss the DUI charge against Collins, he was ultimately not indicted on the felony DUI charge, though the Clark County District Attorney’s Office continued to pursue the case.

The crash, which occurred on December 30, 2020, resulted in the death of 52-year-old Eric Echevarria. Collins, who was driving nearly 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, was 19 years old at the time of the accident.

Credits: 8 News Now

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