(L.A.) Gebregziabher Gabremadhin, 72, Died on a Street

Case Number: 2009-07342

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 72-year-old male of Middle Eastern ethnicity that occurred on a street.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Gebregziabher Gabremadhin.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Multiple Blunt Force Injuries

RIP GEBREGZIABHER GABREMADHIN (September 11, 1937 – October 27, 2009)

The decedent was killed by a 32-year-old drunk driver named Mark Skillingberg, 32 who would eventually be sentenced to one year in jail, five years probation and restitution payments.

Court records say Gabremadhin was making an illegal U-turn when his car was T-boned by Skillingberg, whose blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit.

Skillingberg was originally charged with Felony Vehicular Manslaughter with gross negligence. A plea deal dropped the enhanced charge of gross negligence, eliminating the possibility of prison time for Skillingberg. The plea deal also allows for the charge to be dropped to a misdemeanor after probation and jail time are completed.

Gabremadhin’s family members protested the plea deal.