LISBON – The Hanoverton woman who drove left of center, killing three and injuring five more in January 2014, was sentenced to five years of probation during an emotional hearing Monday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Rachael K. Lindesmith, 33, Lindesmith Road, turned to the packed courtroom and offered her apologies to the family and friends of James D. Nign, his wife Meghann D. Nign, and Addisyn Benzel, the three people who lost their lives in the crash.

“I wanted to reach out and say something months ago,” Lindesmith said, adding she could not because of the charges pending against her. “I’m sorry. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could go back and change it.”

One of Lindesmith’s defense attorneys Samuel Amendolara, pointed out the highway patrol report was extensive and showed there were no drugs, alcohol, lack of sleep or cell phone use responsible for this crash. Amendolara said Lindesmith’s cell phone was in the diaper bag. The reason for the crash was blamed on road conditions and speed.

Lindesmith was on her way to church with her child in the vehicle on state Route 518 in Wayne Township on Jan. 19, 2014, driving at an excessive speed when she went left of center for about 200 feet. She pleaded guilty in May to three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and five counts of aggravated vehicular assault.

Following the accident, Savannah Nign, 6, was hospitalized with a concussion, fractured ribs, injuries to her pelvis, tibia, fibula, right leg, left arm and internal bleeding. Chayse Nign, 4, suffered a concussion and swelling of the brain. McKenna Nign, 11, had a fractured pelvis and abrasions. Brody Nign, 2, had a broken leg and lacerations which required stitches. Payslee Nign, 9 months, had a fractured right femur.

“Just when you think you are doing everything right,” Lindesmith said, “something can happen that changes everything.”

Before Lindesmith spoke four people representing the victims spoke in the courtroom. Zachary Nign – the son of James Nign and stepson of Meghann – read a letter prepared by his grandmother detailing the loss the Nign family has been feeling during the past year. He spoke of how James and Meghann Nign will never see their children graduate, get married or enjoy the other high points in their lives. Zachary Nign said while his grandmother cannot yet forgive, he believes it was an accident and is able to forgive Lindesmith, a gesture that brought tears to the defendant’s eyes.

Emily Ludwig, Meghann Nign’s sister, also talked about how the accident has affected one of the children, Savannah Nign, who is now walking again with the help of braces.

“Savannah is a special, strong little girl,” Ludwig said, adding she will not ever be able to fully recover.

Ludwig continued that Savannah and her siblings no longer have their parents.

“We understand how it feels to lose someone,” Ludwig said. “It’s not fair and it’s not OK. None of this would have happened if she had not crossed the line.”

Both of the parents of Addisyn Benzel, who was 11, spoke at the hearing, showing open grief at the death of their daughter. Both described an intelligent and caring child who was talented and good to others.

“I understand you never intended for this to happen,” said Tim Benzel, “but I also understand Addisyn is never coming home again and that is because of you.”

Benzel further called Lindesmith’s actions since the time of the accident disrespectful, pointing out she became pregnant and gave birth to a new baby when his child will never come home again.

Theresa Benzel said she prays every night Addisyn will visit her in her dreams, the only chance she has to see her smile and hear her laugh again. She also said Addisyn’s two brothers have lost their innocence and childhood, noting Addisyn was on her way home from a sleepover and her brothers no longer will go away “for fear they will not come home.”

She ended her description calling the loss of her daughter a “nightmare that never ends” and by tearfully reading the words to a song Addisyn wrote titled “Remember Me.”

At sentencing Pike called the case “tragic” adding “all lives matter.” However, he also pointed out there were nine people traveling in the Nign vehicle, which was meant for five people and only six were restrained when the accident occurred.

“She didn’t make a decision to cause these deaths,” Pike said of Lindesmith’s actions.

Pike also said he understands many members of the families are not ready to forgive yet, but hoped they would find closure. However, he said the court sentencing was not going to bring anyone back.

“You can’t ease my burden,” Tim Benzel blurted out and was immediately admonished by Pike for the outburst.

Besides five years of probation, Lindesmith was ordered to perform 100 hours community service where she is to speak on the dangers of reckless driving. Additionally, her license was suspended for the next 10 years, however, Pike said he would consider allowing her some limited driving privileges.