Driver Sentenced for Politician's Daughter's Death
- Vanessa Sagnay de la Bastida was tragically killed when a speeding vehicle struck her while walking with her fiancé.
- The driver responsible for the accident has been sentenced.
- This case highlights ongoing concerns around road safety and recklessness in driving.
A speeding driver has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the fatal collision that claimed the life of 27-year-old Charlotte Sagnay, the daughter of an Ecuadorian politician. The tragic incident occurred when Ms. Sagnay was struck by a Mercedes driven by 30-year-old Cadar, who was traveling at excessive speeds. Witnesses reported that she was hit before reaching the pavement, resulting in her being thrown into the air and landing on a railing and sign post. During the trial, Cadar initially attempted to deflect blame onto Ms. Sagnay and her companion, claiming they were "messing about in the road." However, he later retracted this statement, admitting to jurors that his driving was the primary cause of the accident. The court heard that the collision could have been avoided had he adhered to the speed limit of 30 mph. After just 42 minutes of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. In a poignant testimony, Ms. Sagnay's mother, Jeanne Sagnay de la Bastida, expressed her profound grief and pride in her daughter's academic achievements, which included two Master's degrees and plans for a PhD. She described Charlotte as her "life, my everything and my everyone." The couple had been finalizing wedding details on the day of the accident, and her fiancé, Mr. Williams, recounted the moment of the collision, highlighting the devastating impact of the loss.