Boulder, Colorado — A 24-year-old driver, Yeva Smilianska, was found guilty of vehicular homicide on April 4, 2025, nearly two years after 17-year-old elite cyclist Magnus White was struck and killed during a training ride near his home in Boulder. The verdict was delivered following a five-day trial, concluding late Friday evening.
Smilianska, who was charged with reckless driving and vehicular homicide, had initially pleaded not guilty when formally charged in May 2024. The trial, which began on March 31, 2025, focused not on whether Smilianska was responsible for White’s death—an issue both the prosecution and defense agreed upon—but on whether her actions constituted reckless or careless driving.
Accountability for Magnus White’s Death
Jill White, Magnus’ mother, expressed her belief that the conviction was a step toward justice. “This conviction is a small step forward for accountability,” she said. “This verdict acknowledges what we have known all along: Magnus’ death was not an accident—it was a crime.”
The prosecution argued that Smilianska’s decision to drive despite being impaired by fatigue, alcohol, and medication was reckless. The trial included testimony from multiple witnesses who saw her car veer erratically off the road before hitting Magnus. One witness, Preet Cooper, recalled seeing the cyclist launch into the air after the impact. According to the White family, Magnus was thrown 30 feet from the point of impact.
Details of the Incident and Smilianska’s Actions
Witnesses testified that Smilianska did not brake or show awareness of the crash. Rachel Blaydes, a witness, stated that Smilianska seemed emotionless and even asked to leave the scene, despite her visibly broken windshield. Another witness added that Smilianska’s reaction to the incident appeared detached, adding to the prosecution’s case of her lack of remorse.
The defense countered by suggesting that Smilianska’s emotional response could be influenced by individual and cultural differences. They also highlighted the need to avoid interpreting her actions solely through social expectations.
The prosecution presented evidence of Smilianska’s impairment, including her admission to having consumed alcohol the night before the crash and taking medication for bipolar disorder. Text messages revealed that Smilianska had acknowledged feeling sleepy prior to the incident. Twenty minutes later, she struck Magnus.
A Step Toward Justice, But Not Enough
Late on Friday evening, after seven hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict finding Smilianska guilty of reckless driving and vehicular homicide. Smilianska will be sentenced on June 13, 2025.
The White family has vowed to continue seeking justice for Magnus. “Whatever sentence she receives is not enough,” said Jill White. Magnus’ father, Michael White, also criticized Smilianska’s actions, claiming she had lied about her alcohol consumption and medication use, and that she had shown no remorse until forced to testify in court.
Family’s Civil Suit and Criticism of the Investigation
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the White family has filed a civil lawsuit against Smilianska, which will proceed once the criminal trial concludes. The family also expressed dissatisfaction with the initial investigation into the crash, accusing law enforcement of mishandling the case. Michael White criticized the failure of responding officers to follow proper protocols, including not administering a sobriety test despite Smilianska’s admission of alcohol consumption.
A spokesperson for The White Line Foundation, established by the family after Magnus’ death, emphasized that had the investigation been conducted properly, the process would have been more efficient, and the sentence might have been harsher. “If the investigation had been done right, and a drug test had been administered, this would have been a much longer sentence and a much shorter investigation,” they said.
Ongoing Advocacy for Cyclist Safety
Looking forward, the White family remains committed to advocating for stronger protections for cyclists and pedestrians through their foundation. They have urged others to join their cause, seeking systemic change to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The case has garnered widespread attention, not only for the tragic loss of a promising young athlete but also for the critical examination of road safety, accountability, and justice in the wake of such incidents.
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