Teen avoids prison for UTV crash that killed 17-year-old girl

An Oregon teenager named Ayden Heard avoided a prison sentence by agreeing to a plea deal after being involved in a fatal accident on Sauvie Island, resulting in the death of another teen last May. Heard, 18, admitted guilt to criminally negligent homicide in the case of 17-year-old Ava Crews from Scappoose. Initially facing charges of manslaughter, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, after changing his plea, Heard will not be serving time in prison. The Multnomah County District Attorney, Nathan Vasquez, explained that the decision for this arrangement was made in consultation with Crews' family, who sought a balance of accountability and ensuring Heard's rehabilitation. Heard will serve five years of probation, with restrictions that include abstaining from alcohol and not operating any vehicles. Additionally, his driver's license has been permanently revoked. As part of his sentence, Heard will also perform 400 hours of community service, including speaking at DUII victim impact panels to deter others from drunk driving. This measure is intended to promote awareness about the dangers of such behavior and prevent similar tragedies from happening. Crews' family established a scholarship fund in her honor, supporting a graduating student from Scappoose who wishes to pursue studies in mental health. The community has been expressing sympathy and solidarity by displaying green hearts, Crews' favorite color, to commemorate her memory and offer support to her loved ones.