Judge sentences driver to 12 years for crash that killed 21-year-old UCF student

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man accused of hitting and killing a University of Central Florida student while driving under the influence reached a plea deal Wednesday and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Yousuf Hasan struck 21-year-old London Harrell in June 2019. Harrell died days later at a hospital.

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According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Hasan attempted to make a left turn from Alafaya Trail onto Mendel Drive and turned directly into a Honda Accord. Minutes later, Hasan was traveling on the shoulder of Napiers Circle when he hit Harrell as she was walking in a grassy area, the FHP said.

Investigators said Hasan was found passed out behind his car.

Hasan was arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash with death and vehicular homicide. However, he was not convicted to any DUI charges.

Hasan plead no contest to leaving the scene of a crash with death, which carries a four-year minimum mandatory with a maximum of 20 years, and in exchange, the state would dismiss the other charges.

Circuit Judge Elaine Barbour handed down a 12-year sentence for Hasan, now 26 years old, followed by 8 years of supervised probation.

Hasan, who was in court Wednesday afternoon in Orange County, has been out of jail on bond since last year.

Before pleading no contest, Hasan apologized to Harrell’s family and friends who were in court.

“Whatever happens to me, I will always hate myself for what happened,” he said, asking the victim’s family for forgiveness.

Harrell’s mother addresses the court before the sentencing and afterward said the judicial process has been long and painful.

“His choice took the light away from us,” Paula Cobb said. “London, we will do whatever we can to continue to make you shine.”