Macomb County Woman Sentenced In Deadly Distracted Driving Crash

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A Richmond woman was sentenced Wednesday after a deadly crash that she caused because she was distracted by her cellphone, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Courtney Ellise Niezgoda, 28, was sentenced to three years of probation with the first eight months to be served in the Macomb County Jail, with two days of credit. She was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service while on probation.

She was charged with reckless driving causing death (15-year felony) in connection with the crash. She later pleaded no contest.

The crash happened at 9:33 a.m. Feb. 2, 2024 at the intersection of 32 Mile Road and Michigan 53 in Washington Township, officials said.

Officials said Niezgoda was driving a car south on Michigan 53 where she drove through a red light and crashed into a car that was going west through a green light on 32 Mile Road. The passenger of the car, 63-year-old Tina Yaney of Macomb, had to be extricated from the wreckage and taken to a nearby hospital where she later died, officials said.

Niezgoda, the "at-fault" driver, was taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated for injuries and released two days later, officials said.

Officials said Niezgoda admitted to being "physically connected" to her phone and using the phone's GPS while driving.

At the sentencing, prosecutors said there were roughly 60 people, including people in support of Niezgoda, as well as friends and family of the victim, 63-year-old Tina Yaney. Five members of Yaney's family provided statements to the court and her loved ones had previously submitted dozens of letters of support, prosecutors said.

"This case is a tragic reminder that choices behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. We will continue to pursue justice for victims and do everything we can to prevent such senseless loss," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.