Distracted Driver Kills Teen, Flees Scene

0:00A 21-year-old driver named Jacob Gemsa pleaded guilty to dangerous driving that caused a 14-year-old's death and ditching the scene. Near Newcastle, back on July 28, 2023, he was behind the wheel of a yut when he struck Bryson Demovsky on his e-scooter along McCory Road in Warner's Bay. Moments before the crash, Gemsa had texted from his phone just 13 seconds prior and downed a full-strength beer he'd grabbed from a bottle shop right before hitting the road. The collision hurled the teen onto an embankment, leaving him there alone for around 6 hours until he was found. A forensic expert confirmed Bryson died almost instantly from his injuries while Gemsa kept driving without stopping to help. Prosecutors hammered home how Gemsa wasn't paying attention at all, with an estimated blood alcohol level of .04 one fueling his decision to flee. His defense pushed back, saying there's no proof he even spotted the boy after impact. In text to friends that night, Gemsa admitted messing up big time but held off going to police until morning.

1:04He's been in custody since his November plea, with sentencing set for April 7, a stark wake-up on the real cost of driving distracted. Sydney News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.