In a ruling that concludes a prolonged administrative legal process, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, the truck driver involved in a 2019 crash that killed seven motorcyclists, has been handed a seven-year suspension of his driving privileges in New Hampshire, a decision detailed in a written order Boston 25 News reported on Wednesday. The license suspension, backdated to start on June 24, 2019, is the maximum allowed under state law. Administrative Law Judge Ryan N. McFarland's decision comes after a request by Zhukovskyy earlier in May to have his license reinstated, following his acquittal in 2022 on multiple manslaughter and negligent homicide charges.
During the course of the criminal trial, prosecutors alleged that Zhukovskyy was under the influence of drugs and had swerved before the fatal collision, while his defense pointed the blame at Albert "Woody" Mazza, the lead motorcyclist. Despite the jury clearing him of guilt in the criminal case, Judge McFarland on May 30 upheld a complaint concluding that Zhukovskyy had indeed "drove in an unlawful manner" contributing to the crash, according to the judgment details released by WHDH. The victims of that tragic day were part of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, consisting of Marine Corps veterans and their spouses. Among them were Jo-Ann and Edward Corr, a couple from Lakeville. Their loss, and that of their fellow club members, sparked a community and legal repercussion that has been felt for years.
The 2019 accident has continually raised concerns about road safety and driver accountability. In a statement obtained by CBS News Boston, a judge noted that the finding for reckless driving was a part of the license appeal hearing. Authorities, listening to the pleas of crash survivors in a hearing last month, have emphasized the importance of keeping the roads safe from potentially dangerous drivers.
Following his acquittal, Zhukovskyy was subject to detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faced deportation orders, a process stalled by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, his country of birth. His status in the United States has been in limbo owing to these geopolitical tensions. "It is clear that the members of the traveling public in New Hampshire would be protected, and must be protected to the maximum extent possible by suspending Mr. Zhukovskyy’s nonresident operating privilege for as long as the law allows," said David Hilts, representing the state of New Hampshire, according to WHDH. If Zhukovskyy wishes to drive again after his suspension ends in 2026, he will need to request a hearing.
