UPDATE 13 JUNE 2025: After deliberating for 7 hours, a Boulder County jury unanimously found Yeva Smilianska guilty of Reckless Vehicular Homicide and the judge sentenced her to four years behind bars for her role in the death of Magnus White in 2023.

Almost 2 years after the tragic death of 17 year-old USA cycling star Magnus White, the automobile driver accused of hitting, killing Magnus is now sitting in a Colorado courtroom in front of a 14 person jury on trial for homicide.

On Monday 31 March Yeva Smilianska appeared in Boulder County court emotionless, charged with Reckless Vehicular Homicide as attorneys delivered opening statements in what is expected to be a five-day trial.

Prosectors claimed Smilianska, 24, crashed her car straight into Magnus after dozing off while behind the wheel. Adding, evidence will be presented that shows 20 minutes prior to the crash Smilianska sent a text saying she was falling asleep.

Defense attorneys do not dispute that Smilianska crashed into Magnus, killing him, but asked the jury to find her guilty of Careless Vehicular Homicide, not reckless.

The first witness taking the stand to testify was Michael White, father of Magnus. He described in heartbreaking detail with tears in his eyes seeing his son for the first time at hospital after the fatal crash.

“When I saw him, he still had his cycling clothes on. He had dirt over the right side of his face. His head was really swollen. There was white fluid coming out of his ears. and there was just so much blood coming out of his mouth and everywhere,” Michael White said emotionally. “I had to turn away.”

If found guilty by the jury of Class 4 Felony Reckless Vehicular Homicide, Smilianska faces between two and six years in a Colorado State Penitentiary, and/or a fine of $2000 – $500,000.

Photo Credit: Magnus White family

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