(WNY News Now) – LOCKPORT, NY — A Niagara Falls man has pleaded guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree in connection with a fatal DWI crash that claimed the life of a Gasport woman in 2022.

Eric S. Gardner, 48, admitted in Niagara County Court on Monday to driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit and cocaine in his system when his vehicle crashed, killing 46-year-old Stacy Donnelly.

The crash occurred on August 26, 2022, on Ridge Road in Hartland, when Gardner’s vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned. Donnelly, who was riding in the front passenger seat, was fatally injured.

Gardner entered his plea just as jury selection for his trial was about to begin.

“The defendant showed complete disregard for the safety of his passenger and anyone else on the road that night,” said Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman. “The sad and completely avoidable result is that Stacy’s family, her children, and grandchildren will live the rest of their lives without her.”

As part of the plea agreement, County Court Judge John Ottaviano will sentence Gardner to 7 ½ to 15 years in prison when he returns to court on May 20.

The case was investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by DA Seaman and Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief Christine Savoia.