This accident on Highway 97 just north of the High Bridge took the life of a young Culver mother and permanently disabled another Culver woman. The other driver is on trial for manslaughter, assault and DUII.
Nicole Saunders spent 67 days in the hospital following the 2020 accident on U.S. Highway 97 in southern Jefferson County. She endured 21 surgeries and has lost full use of her right hand.
This accident on Highway 97 just north of the High Bridge took the life of a young Culver mother and permanently disabled another Culver woman. The other driver is on trial for manslaughter, assault and DUII.
Pioneer file photo
Brandon Kern admits that he was inebriated at the time of the wreck, but maintains he wasn't at fault.
JCSO photo
Alisa Miller was a passenger in the vehicle driven by her friend Nicole Saunders. Miller died at the scene.
Submitted photo
Nicole Saunders spent 67 days in the hospital following the 2020 accident on U.S. Highway 97 in southern Jefferson County. She endured 21 surgeries and has lost full use of her right hand.
The trial of Brandon Tylor Kern began Monday, Jan. 23 after over two years since the accident that permanently disabled one then 17 year-old girl, and killed a 19-year-old mother.
The prosecution and defense place blame for the accident on different people. The state claims Kern, who had a .245 blood alcohol concentration at the hospital after the incident, was the cause of the accident. This is based on survivor Noelle Saunders' testimony that Kern had moved into her lane, where she swerved to miss him. He allegedly then swerved back, causing the accident.
