Magnus White Death: Driver Gets 4-Year Sentence
- Yeva Smilianska, 24, was sentenced Friday to four years in a Colorado prison for the reckless vehicular homicide of Magnus White.White, a 17-year-old cyclist, died in July 2023.
- A Boulder County jury convicted Smilianska two months prior.
- The defense attributed her muted emotions to medications for PTSD and bipolar disorder.
Yeva Smilianska received a four-year prison sentence for the reckless vehicular homicide of Magnus White, a rising cycling star, in a Colorado court. The tragic case saw the 24-year-old driver convicted in the death of the 17-year-old, who was training for the junior mountain bike world championships when struck. Judge Lindsey cited the need to deter reckless driving, impacting the family of the promising junior cyclist. family members expressed grief and established a non-profit to honor White’s memory and promote cyclist safety. News Directory 3 covers the details of this sensitive case along with the subsequent events. The driver’s actions and the family’s reaction. Discover what’s next as the White Line foundation continues its work.
CO Driver Sentenced in Cyclist Death; Reckless Homicide Case
Updated June 14, 2025
Yeva Smilianska, 24, was sentenced Friday to four years in a Colorado prison for the reckless vehicular homicide of Magnus White.White, a 17-year-old cyclist, died in July 2023.
A Boulder County jury convicted Smilianska two months prior. She faced a sentence ranging from two to six years. Friends and family of White offered emotional statements, describing White’s positive influence and their grief.
Prosecutors argued Smilianska showed a lack of remorse. The defense attributed her muted emotions to medications for PTSD and bipolar disorder. White’s family had requested the maximum six-year sentence.
judge Dea Lindsey cited Smilianska’s lack of prior criminal history and the need to deter future reckless driving incidents as factors in her decision. The four-year sentence falls within state guidelines.
White, a junior cyclist, was training on Highway 119 on July 29, 2023, when Smilianska struck him from behind. Smilianska, driving at the speed limit, drifted onto the shoulder. White was to represent Team USA at the junior mountain bike world championships in Scotland.
Smilianska had been drinking the previous night and was “tired and hungover,” according to Deputy District Attorney Trish Mittelstadt. However, the case was not filed as driving under the influence.
White’s family has criticized the investigation. His father, Michael White, said evidence of cocaine was visible but later redacted. He also claimed the jury did not see text messages about Smilianska buying cocaine the day of the crash.
Following White’s death, his family established The White Line, a non-profit association. A fundraising drive raised over $148,000.
“Because of the generous donations we received from Magnus’ GoFundMe, we are able to launch the foundation with funds,” his father said in December.
“The White Line is more than a tribute; it’s a commitment to fostering a community were cyclists can pursue their passion safely, with the spirit of Magnus as our guiding light.”
What’s next
The White Line continues it’s work to support young cyclists and promote safety, honoring Magnus White’s memory.