The Driver in Gates Mills Crash That Left Two Hawken Seniors Dead Has Been Sentenced

Update: Chapin Berk appeared in court yesterday and was sentenced to five years probation. His driver's license will be suspended for the duration of his sentence, and he faces a $1000 fine for each count of vehicular homicide. He must also donate $1000 to a charity of each crash victim's family’s choice and pay a $100 reasonable control fee.

Originally posted: July 14, 2015 at 3:19 p.m.

Two months after an automobile accident in Gates Mills that left two Hawken High School seniors dead and an entire community in mourning, charges have been filed against the driver of the vehicle.

18-year-old Chapin Berk, who was driving a Jeep with three of his classmates on County Line Road on May 14 when he lost control of the vehicle and hit two trees, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of operation without being in reasonable control. The charges are misdemeanors.

Alex Doody and Josh Weil, both 18 and star athletes at the east side prep school, died as a result of the accident. 

Berk is expected in the Lyndhurst Municipal Court on July 23.