North Carolina Man With Low Blood Sugar Convicted in Wreck

A jury in Burke County, N.C., has found a man guilty of involuntary manslaughter for causing a fatal wreck because he blacked out from low blood sugar.

The News Herald of Morganton reports that Lee Hutchins was sentenced to 13 months to 25 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. He was also sentenced to five years of probation and ordered not to drive during that time.

Authorities said Hutchins car crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 64 in March 2013 and slammed into a minivan, killing Michael Piercy and injuring his wife and daughters.

Prosecutors say along with low blood sugar, Hutchins also had an ingredient in marijuana and a painkiller in his system.

Hutchins apologized to Piercy’s family. His attorney says he plans to appeal.