Man sentenced to prison in high-speed crash that killed 2

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An Orono man was sentenced Thursday to more than seven years in prison for a high-speed, drunken-driving crash that killed two young men, including the son of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey coach.

The 52-year-old Blue pleaded guilty last month to two counts of criminal vehicular operation while operating a vehicle under the influence. Authorities said his blood-alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit for driving.

Blue had been driving nearly 100 mph on a curvy road around Lake Minnetonka when he plowed into a wooded area on July 24. The crash killed 20-year-old Mack Motzko, son of Gophers coach Bob Motzko, and 24-year-old Sam Schuneman.

Blue apologized in court Thursday to the family and friends of the Motzkos and Schunemans, who were not at the hearing.

“I would never forgive me if I was you, I don’t deserve it and I understand that,” Blue said. “I never imagined for a moment that I was capable of doing something with such awful consequences. It was completely out of character for me. And I understand that I must be punished.”

Blue allegedly drank shots of liquor and consumed THC gummies before the crash.

“While today’s outcome cannot compare to the life sentence our two families have been given with the loss of our beloved sons, Mack and Sam, we hope it sends a clear and strong message that there are serious consequences for drunk driving and those that drive while impaired will be held accountable,” the families of the victims said in a statement.