Driver sentenced in fatal tour bus crash, issues 'heartfelt' apology

CEDAR CITY — The driver of a tour bus that crashed nearly a year ago, killing three Japanese tourists, was ordered to spend less than a year in jail Friday.

Fifth District Judge G. Michael Westfall suspended a potential 15-year sentence for 27-year-old Yasushi Mikuni and ordered him to spend 363 days at the Iron County Jail, followed by three years of probation.

Mikuni, who investigators believe was too drowsy to have been driving a bus carrying 14 passengers on Aug. 9, 2010, was also ordered to pay a fine and financial restitution to the families of the victims of the resulting crash.

In May, Mikuni pleaded guilty to three third-degree felony counts of negligently operating a vehicle and causing death. Traces of marijuana were found in Mikuni's blood following the crash, but investigators believe that had little effect and he was tired from a seven-hour drive the previous day and not getting enough sleep.

In exchange for his plea, seven other similar felony charges were dropped.

Last month, Mikuni issued a letter of apology to the victims and their families, stating that he cannot forget the images of the day when the bus rolled on I-15 in southern Utah. The accident happened between Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, a leg of a four-day tour of Utah national parks that originated in Nevada and was led by Sandy-based Canyon Transportation Inc.

Three passengers died from injuries sustained in the crash and 11 others were seriously injured. Mikuni, who is a student living in Las Vegas on a word and education visa, received minor injuries.

Mikuni wept during Friday's hearing and asked the judge not to go easy on him.

Defense attorney Garrett Ogata told media that justice was served and that Mikuni's apology was "heartfelt." He said Mikuni has been cooperative throughout the whole process, even waiving a preliminary hearing to avoid making the families of victims come to Utah during the tragic Japanese tsunami earlier this year.

"He never blamed anything but himself," Ogata said, commending his client for "the Japanese way." He said Mikuni went to the scene of the accident with family members "to pray over the deceased and the injured."

"I have yet to see that in my practice," Ogata said. "It was all on him. He felt like he let all of these people down. He took full responsibility."

Various personal injury and unlawful death lawsuits are still pending against Mikuni. Valley View Medical Center, in Cedar City, has also asked for repayment of services for several of the victims.

Mikuni, who was out on bond prior to Friday's sentencing, was immediately taken into custody at the courthouse.

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com

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