A Broadalbin man was sentenced on Friday to probation after serving 4 months in prison for driving drunk and causing a crash that seriously injured a Gloversville man. 

Owen Marek, 18, had previously admitted in Fulton County Court that he was intoxicated and speeding in his truck last Nov. 18, 2023 on Route 29A (Turkey Farm Road) in Mayfield at around 11 p.m. He passed two vehicles as he approached a blind curve and then crossed into the other lane, investigators said. 

Marek then struck a truck driven by Evan Wieczenski and Marek’s truck burst into flames. Wieczenski spent many weeks in the intensive care unit with broken bones all over his body and a brain injury. He underwent multiple surgeries. 

His family described the devastating impact the crash had on his life and how they are disappointed in the justice system.  

“Our laws need to change. The insignificant sentencing Owen received for his selfish act does not justify what he did. I pray that Owen’s deliberate selfish act follows him every day for the rest of his life,” said Wieczenksi’s grandmother Bonnie Kerchofer. 

His father told NewsChannel 13 that Evan is currently learning how to speak, to walk, and how to smile all over again. His family is pushing him hard every day to make a recovery. 

The family submitted a powerful impact statement showing how the tragedy has affected the family, including Evan’s two younger siblngs.

“The truth is, Evan will never get to finish his time in the Air Force, which is one of the things that made him the happiest in life.  He will never finish his bachelor degree, or become an adolescent mental health counselor, like he wanted to do.  We may never get the chance to see him marry the girl of his dreams, or have children of his own. 

“He may never get the chance to teach Adam how to play ice hockey like he promised, or give him advice about girls.  He may never get the chance to watch one of Emma’s dance recitals, or play hide and seek like he used to do.  All of these chances in life that he could’ve experienced, were taken away by so many immature, terrible choices.”

Marek told the court he is sorry.

“There’s no excuse for the terrible life-altering decision I made. I was so stupid to not give any thought to how my actions could impact other people,” he said. “I drank and I thought I was OK to drive. I was wrong. And when my friends told me not to drive, I didn’t listen. I was selfish and my decisions were wrong. If I could take it all back, I would. If I could take the serious injuries, that I caused Evan and put that on myself, I would.”