The mother of a Troy man who was killed in a March 2015 wreck on Interstate 75 told the driver Monday, Feb 8, she forgives him and prays for him.

Eric Pellman, 41, of Sidney subsequently was sentenced in Miami County Common Pleas Court to six years in prison in the death of Philip Smith II, 33, of Troy.

Pellman pleaded no contest and was found guilty in December of aggravated vehicular homicide and driving while under the influence. State troopers said he was southbound when his vehicle made “a dramatic lane change,” overturned and landed on a guardrail on the right side. Passenger Smith died in the crash that took place between Troy and Tipp City.

The indictment alleged Pellman had cocaine in his system at the time of the wreck.

Before sentencing Monday, Pellman apologized and said he has frequent nightmares about the wreck in which his close friend died.

“It is something I will have to live with the rest of my life,” he said. “All I can say is I’m sorry. I know that is not going to bring Philip back.”

Janna Parker, assistant county prosecutor, said it was clear Pellman had a serious drug problem at the time of the wreck. She asked for a prison term of several years,

Smith’s mother asked Pellman to use his time in prison to better himself.

“I forgive you and I will be praying for you,” she said. “Come out of there (prison) a new man.”

Judge Christopher Gee said Pellman had a history of drug-related convictions and showed genuine remorse for his conduct. “You are going to pay a heavy price,” the judge said.

He noted that Pellman was arrested 10 days after the wreck on drug charges in Shelby County.

Gee ordered a mandatory six years in prison and credited Pellman for 113 days served in jail. He was fined $375.