GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The man who hit and killed Hastings tow truck driver Keagan Spencer learned his sentence Monday morning.
Payton Ferris, 19, pleaded 'no-contest' to misdemeanor charges after a crash that killed Spencer in November of 2023.
After hearing statements from Spencer's family and friends as well as from Ferris' attorney, a Grand Rapids judge sentenced Ferris to probation for two years, mandatory counseling, 500 hours of community service, no direct or indirect contact with the Spencer family, and one year in jail if probation is violated.
The judge also imposed a $2,000 fine plus restitution for all of Spencer's funeral costs.
Ferris' driver's license was also suspended for a year. He is subject to random drug tests and he was ordered to take every distracted and safe driving class available to him.
The judge also said that any traffic infraction would be counted as a probation violation.
Spencer's family and friends spoke out in court against the ruling saying it wasn't enough as Ferris was escorted out of the room following the sentence being read.
Police said Spencer was towing vehicles when he stopped on the median on M-6 near Kraft. That is when he was struck and killed.
Since Spencer’s death, his family and friends have been active in the Slow Down! Move Over movement to help prevent similar tragedies.
Spencer’s family has been advocating for a new bill nicknamed Keagan's Law. The law would allow tow truck drivers to use blue flashing lights while at emergency scenes. Matt Spencer has spoken to lawmakers about the bill in both Michigan and Washington, D.C.
