Pro surfer sentenced to 4 years for California DUI fatality

Professional surfer Milton Willis was officially sentenced to 4 years as a result of a 2008 DUI accident that took the life of his passenger.

Bradley James Dillahunty, a 24-year-old California surfer, was killed during the June 6 accident. Dillahunty was finishing his degree at Cal State Long Beach when his life was cut short. Willis, 53, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI in connection with the accident.

In pre-hearing meetings, the defense and prosecution could not agree on a sentence. Judge Daniel Goldstein handed down the 4-year sentence at the Vista Courthouse - a possible 10-year sentence could have been handed down. Adding to the sentencing was Willis's history of DUI arrest in 2000 for misdemeanor drunk driving.

Willis has made his reputation as a wise surf guru. He co-authored a book with his twin brother, Michael, called "Discover the Greatness in You." The book was about finding happiness and success on the waves.  Passages from this book were read by angry Family members of the victim. They testified against Willis as they viewed a picture of the deceased Dillahunty that hung over the hearing.

Willis was driving Dillahunty's car the night of the accident. He ran a stop sign while speeding. Willis lost control, hitting cars and trees. Willis broke his back and neck but has recovered for the most part. Dillahunty died on impact.

Family members specifically believe defense attorneys placed some blame on the victim. Both Dillahunty and Willis were drinking the night of the accident in Solana Beach, near San Diego. Attorney Tom Warwick said that Dillahunty asked Willis to drive him home. This argument was supplemented by the fact that Dillahunty had a DUI on his record. Post-mortally, Dillahunty was found to have a BAC of only .03 % compared to Willis's .18%.

Dillahunty's mother, Suzan, accused Willis of not showing remorse or accepting responsibility. She said the increased speed and reckless driving was Willis's choice alone and his responsibility. This aggressive approach was in sharp contrast to the image Warwick painted of the defendant. He gave information on Willis's record of public service as evidence to his character.

Willis gave free surf lessons to Iraq veterans and needy children. He was famous for partially pioneering "tow-in surfing," meaning he is towed into waves too large for a person alone to catch. During his time in Hawaii, Willis had a reputation of saving lives through his bravado in the water. He received a merit in 1997 for rescuing another person.

These factors were not enough to mitigate the sentence according to Judge Goldstein. He said he considered the information, but based the sentence mostly on Willis's behavior the night of the accident. He additionally said Willis did not appear sufficiently remorseful.


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