Drunk driver gets up to 13 years in cyclist death

A Bucks County woman who killed a cyclist while driving drunk last summer was sentenced Friday to 4 1/2 to 13 years in state prison.

Wendy Kristen Hawkes, 34, of Ottsville pleaded guilty to charges including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said Friday.

Hawkes hit Daniel Wilson, 45, of Ottsville as he was riding his bicycle down Ervin Road in Tinicum Township on July 9. She was going 17 mph over the speed limit and had a blood alcohol content of 0.29 percent, said Assistant District Attorney Gregg Shore. A bottle of vodka, three-quarters empty, was found in her car.

Hawkes had struggled with depression and alcoholism, she and her mother testified in court.

Wilson was married and the father of two young sons.

- Justine McDaniel