Driver receives prison sentence for crash that killed cardiologist
The driver who hit a Nebraska cardiologist with his car in 2023, killing him almost instantly, has been sentenced to two months in prison and two years of probation.
Omaha-based KETV reported on the update, noting that the driver will also be required to perform 150 hours of community service, take a defensive driving course and refrain from using alcohol and controlled substances.
Matthew Latacha, MD, a veteran cardiologist with Methodist Health System, was 47 years old at the time of the incident. He was riding his bicycle on the morning of Sept. 10, 2023, when Dale TenEyck, 63, struck him with his car. Latacha died on the scene.
Matthew Latacha was ‘loved by patients, colleagues and staff’
Methodist Health System released a statement after the accident, describing Latacha as a “talented and compassionate” cardiologist who was “well respected, admired and loved by patients, colleagues and staff.”
“We know that he has touched the lives of literally thousands of patients through his clinical and surgical practices,” according to the statement.
Latacha’s family pushes lawmakers for more severe punishments
In February, Latacha’s wife, Kim, and one of their daughters testified in support of new legislation that would increase the penalties drivers face in Nebraska when involved in fatal accidents. The legislation was even named “Latacha’s Law” in the cardiologist’s honor.
If adopted, Legislative Bill 1340 would change motor vehicle homicide from a Class I misdemeanor to a Class IV felony. This would change the maximum penalty from one year in prison and a $1,000 fine to two years in prison in addition to either one year of post-release supervision, a $10,000 fine or both.
“Nebraska law has a stronger penalty for stealing a TV from Nebraska Furniture Mart than it does for killing a cyclist with a car,” Kim Latacha said in front of Nebraska lawmakers on Feb. 27, as quoted in the Nebraska Examiner’s coverage.
According to the Nebraska legislature’s website, the bill was postponed on April 18.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.