The friend who was driving the snowmobile from which WBBM-TV's Randy Salerno was thrown and killed in 2008, was sentenced today for his part in the TV anchorman's death.
A Wisconsin judge ruled that Scott Hirschey, 45, will serve three years probation and do 100 hours of community service, a defense attorney told Chicago Breaking News, after reaching a plea agreement on charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
"He told the judge that he wished he could trade places with Randy," said defense attorney John Hyland, of Madison, Wis.
Salerno and Hirschey grew up together in Crystal Lake and had been on a winter getaway near Eagle River, Wis., when the snowmobile they were riding on together slammed into an embankment, flew 46 feet and hit a pine tree.
Hirschey could have been sentenced to up to 25 years in prison with a $100,000 fine.
"He thanked Randy's family for their support," Hyland said.
