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HOUGHTON - Not 10 minutes go by without William Frantz thinking about Lee Drelles, his best friend and roommate - and being behind the wheel September car crash that took Lee's life.

"I was young, and now I am old," said Frantz. "Lee was alive, and now he is dead."

Frantz, 19, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to about 11 months in jail in Houghton County Circuit Court Thursday, in a hearing that included tearful testimonials on his behalf from both of Drelles' parents.

The Michigan Technological University student pleaded no contest in March to negligent homicide, a two-year misdemeanor, and operating while intoxicated, a 93-day misdemeanor.

The most serious charge - operating while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year felony - was dropped in a plea agreement.

Paul Drelles, Lee's father, said Frantz has accepted full responsibility for the accident. His son was a forgiving person, Drelles said.

"While he would certainly choose life over death, I know he would want to do what was best for his friend," he said.

Drelles' mother, Laura Drelles, said Frantz should take the love and acceptance her son gave him and use it to go on with his life.

"He needs to shine for two people now," she said.

The accident took place on Pike River Road in Chassell Township. In the early morning hours of Sept. 21, the car driven by Frantz left the roadway and hit a tree.

Drelles, 19, a Tech student from Ludington, Mich., was killed in the crash.

Frantz and three other passengers were taken to Portage Health. All were released within a few days.

Frantz apologized to Drelles, and to Drelles' parents for the pain he has to brought to their lives.

"Lee was everything I could have asked for in a best friend, and I will continue to carry his memory with me throughout my life," he said, choking up.

Frantz's attorney, Donald Martin, said Frantz had done everything that had been asked of him since the accident. That would stay the same after the sentencing, he said.

"He's prepared to accept the sentence of the court, he's going to serve it, and he's going to move on with his life ... he's going to build on it, because he's got the character to move forward," he said.

Frantz was sentenced to eight months in jail for the negligent homicide, and 93 days for operating while intoxicated. The sentences will be served consecutively.

Judge Charles Goodman left open the possibility that Frantz could be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act for the two-yar misdemeanor. If completed, if would wipe the charge from his record.

Frantz also received two years' probation. Among the conditions is that, if asked, Frantz speak to high school and college students about his experiences.

"... Hopefully young people can learn from you and at least prevent, even in one instance, this from ever happening again," Goodman said.

Garrett Neese can be reached at gneese@mininggazette.com.