'Part of me also passed away that day'

EUGENE, Ore. - A driver pleaded guilty to killing a woman when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his RV into her car as she waited at a stop sign just south of Junction City.

Andrea Nicole Post died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, as she waited to pull out onto Highway 99 in her Honda CRX at a stop sign on Hatton Road just south of Junction City. She was 24.

The driver of the RV, Douglas Allan Bruce, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide on Friday. He was sentenced to 4 years probation and 500 hours community service. He must undergo an alcohol evaluation and attend counseling with the victim's family.

"Part of me also passed away that day," Bruce told the court with tears in his eyes. "This accident was a great tragedy, and I'm sorry it happened. I wish that whatever happens to me can bring peace to Andrea's family."

Bruce had a blood alcohol content of .06 measured 3 hours after the crash. He admitted to having 2 beers the day of the crash.

He fell asleep at the wheel as he drove southbound on Highway 99. His RV went onto the shoulder and hit  He was diagnosed with narcolepsy after the crash.

Had been on a fishing trip with friends and drank a lot the day before the crash.

Post's grandmother, Bonnie Ramirez Kotz, told addressed Bruce and the court. "You took so much from our family," she said.

Post liked to dress up in costumes, and her family wore t-shirts to court with her picture on them.

Judge Ilisa Rooke-Ley told the family she was amazed at their ability to forgive.

"You've opened your hearts for this gentleman," the judge said.

She told Bruce, "the goodness of Andrea's family will help you heal."