A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to prison after a drunk driving crash that killed a high school senior and her dog just days before the New Year.
19-Year-Old Sentenced in Deadly Drunk Driving Crash
On Thursday, 19-year-old Jason Zehe was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision in Waukesha County court. He was also ordered to undergo treatment, remain sober, and complete 200 hours of community service — including eight hours every year on December 30, the anniversary of the crash.
Zehe had pleaded guilty to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and second-degree reckless endangerment. Several other charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.
Victim Identified as Megan Voss
The victim was 17-year-old Megan Voss, a high school senior. She was driving her Audi sedan on December 30, 2024, when Zehe sped through a stop sign on Sunset Drive and crashed into her car and an SUV.
Voss was airlifted to a hospital but did not survive. Her dog, Bleu, who was also in the car, had to be put down because of severe injuries.
Zehe Had BAC More Than 3 Times Legal Limit
Investigators determined that Zehe had been drinking heavily for at least eight hours before the crash, consuming both vodka and wine. His blood alcohol concentration was 0.249 — more than three times Wisconsin’s legal limit.
Though Zehe initially told officers he hadn’t been drinking, he later admitted, “I just wish I wasn’t drunk. I was the one driving, and yeah, I should get charged.”
Judge: “He Could Have Called an Uber”
Judge Michael Aprahamian, in delivering the sentence, stressed that Zehe made a choice. “It was his decision to get in the car. He could have called an Uber. He didn’t.”
Zehe’s girlfriend, who was riding in the truck, was partially ejected in the crash but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. A man in the SUV reported no injuries.
Possible Charges Against Others
Zehe has claimed his girlfriend’s parents “got him drunk, knew he was drunk, and forced him to leave.” The Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office said charges against them are being considered.
Defendant Apologizes in Court
Before his sentencing, Zehe addressed Voss’ family, saying, “I’m sincerely sorry. There aren’t enough words to describe how sorry I am.”
The tragic death of 17-year-old Megan Voss serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of drunk driving. A promising young life and her beloved pet were lost, and a 19-year-old now faces decades behind bars.
As the community grieves, the case underscores the importance of making responsible choices before getting behind the wheel.
