Fatal crash suit ends

Relatives of a mother of three killed by a drunken driver in 2008 have settled a wrongful death lawsuit.

The settlement orders Jeremy Rasnake, 21, to make monthly payments for 20 years to the family of Cheryl Sheaves, 40, killed after Rasnake fell asleep at the wheel of his Ford Bronco on May 23, 2008, and crossed the vehicle over center line of Route 340, smashing it head-on into her Ford Thunderbird.

“It’s hard for money to do justice, but [Rasnake will] have to remember pretty much every month, his conduct,” said Harrisonburg attorney Mark Obenshain, who represented the family. “I hope it’s a lesson.”

Sheaves’ family will receive $275,000 from insurance companies.

Convicted in February of involuntary DUI manslaughter, Rasnake served a jury-recommended four-month prison sentence that never sat well with the victim’s father.

“I just wasn’t too pleased about how the trial went,” said James Sheaves, 65. “I’m not bitter ... [Rasnake] has to live with that the rest of his life. The three kids, though: we’ve got one, the youngest, that doesn’t know where her mommy is.”

Cheryl Sheaves’ other children, ages 11 and 15, are in the custody of their father, James Sheaves said.

The civil lawsuit sought $6 million for the family.

Obenshain said Rasnake will make payments based upon his income and as governed by garnishment laws. Also, three-fourths of any large sums that Rasnake receives, such as inheritance or lottery winnings, would go to the family. If Rasnake defaults on payments, the court could enter a $150,000 judgment against him.

The Staunton man can apply for a restricted license after three years.