A 43-year-old woman has been sentenced to almost five years in prison for drunk driving following a tragic head-on collision.
A woman from Stouffville, who was found guilty of impaired driving that resulted in death and injury during a crash in November 2024 that claimed the life of a Markham man, has received her sentence.
Carolyn Nielsen, 43, will spend four years and 10 months behind bars after it was revealed she had over three times the legal blood alcohol limit when her SUV collided head-on with another vehicle on Highway 7 in Markham, resulting in the death of 68-year-old Lloyd Szeto and injuries to his wife.
The judge from Newmarket accepted an agreement made by both the Crown and defense. They informed the court as part of an Agreed Statement of Facts during her guilty plea proceedings back in June that Nielsen couldn’t remember anything about the crash or what happened just before it.
Carolyn Nielsen Carolyn Nielsen leaving the Newmarket , Ont. courthouse Aug. 28, 2026 following her sentencing hearing. ( /Mike Arsalides)
According to the Crown, Nielsen reached speeds up to 123 km/h in a zone limited to 60 km/h while heading home when she crossed into oncoming traffic and struck Szeto’s Toyota Matrix, sending it flying approximately 50 feet. Szeto’s wife had to be airlifted to a Toronto hospital due to multiple injuries including a broken jaw, sternum, and ribs.
During her sentencing hearing at the end of August, Szeto’s family shared victim impact statements expressing their profound sorrow over losing their family leader-a devoted husband, father, and diligent provider.
Nielsen was found conscious in her vehicle that night; police reported that her speech was slurred and there was a smell of alcohol on her breath.
Her attorney, Fred Fedorsen, mentioned that Nielsen is a mother of two who faces daily reminders of her actions due to a leg injury which requires crutches.
Carolyn Nielsen Carolyn Nielsen pictured (Facebook)
On the night of the incident around 7:30 PM, York Regional police found an empty 20 ml liquor bottle along with a three-quarters full vodka bottle and an unopened 750 ml bottle that she had ordered about an hour-and-a-half earlier using the name Mary Harris while in Kitchener.
During her sentencing session, Nielsen expressed remorse to Szeto’s family as well as the court.
Lloyd Szeto Lloyd Szeto is pictured (Pine Hills Funeral Centre)
“No words could ever express how sorry I feel for causing so much pain,” adding “I am sorry that I took someone that was so beloved by you because of my actions … I do not expect any forgiveness, but I just wanted you to know how sorry I am.”
Nielsen had been released on bail since December 2024 after undergoing a review but entered custody again at the courthouse. Her lawyer requested medical treatment for her client.
Once released from custody, Nielsen will be prohibited from driving for eight years plus three additional months.
First responders First responders on scene of the crash along Highway 7 East in Markham, Ont. Nov. 11, 2024. (Jacob Estrin/ )
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Carolyn Nielsen Carolyn Nielsen pictured (Facebook)
On the night of the incident around 7:30 PM, York Regional police found an empty 20 ml liquor bottle along with a three-quarters full vodka bottle and an unopened 750 ml bottle that she had ordered about an hour-and-a-half earlier using the name Mary Harris while in Kitchener.
During her sentencing session, Nielsen expressed remorse to Szeto’s family as well as the court.
Lloyd Szeto Lloyd Szeto is pictured (Pine Hills Funeral Centre)
“No words could ever express how sorry I feel for causing so much pain,” adding “I am sorry that I took someone that was so beloved by you because of my actions … I do not expect any forgiveness, but I just wanted you to know how sorry I am.”
Nielsen had been released on bail since December 2024 after undergoing a review but entered custody again at the courthouse. Her lawyer requested medical treatment for her client.
Once released from custody, Nielsen will be prohibited from driving for eight years plus three additional months.
First responders First responders on scene of the crash along Highway 7 East in Markham, Ont. Nov. 11, 2024. (Jacob Estrin/ )Source link
