A Michigan semi-truck driver has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for a deadly crash that claimed the life of an Iowa tow truck driver in November 2023. Dmytro Prysich, 55, of Hamtramck, Michigan, was found guilty by a jury of vehicular homicide while under the influence, following a tragic incident on Interstate 80/35 in Urbandale.
The crash occurred on November 12, 2023, when Prysich, driving his semi-truck, struck 45-year-old tow truck driver Joshua Villa, of Adel. Villa, who was working for Rick’s Towing, was in the process of loading a disabled vehicle onto his tow truck near mile marker 130 when the collision happened. Prysich did not stop after hitting Villa, but he was later apprehended by officers in Clive. A criminal complaint revealed that officers detected alcohol on Prysich, and his blood test showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .196—more than four times the legal limit for commercial drivers in Iowa, which is .04.
In addition to his 25-year prison sentence, Prysich has been ordered to pay $150,000 to Villa’s family. During sentencing, victim impact statements were read, with Villa’s family expressing their pain and loss. Megan Peak, the victim liaison, read a statement from Villa’s family, which emphasized the severe consequences of intoxicated driving and the irreparable loss caused by Prysich’s actions.
James Villa, Joshua’s father, shared a heartfelt message during the hearing: “It was the happiest I had seen him or talked to him in years. I was so happy for him and proud. I pray the defendant gets the help he needs and my son’s death would not be in vain. I forgive you and I pray for you and your family.”
This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving, especially when operating heavy commercial vehicles, and the lasting impact it has on families and communities.
