RIVERHEAD, NY – A Riverhead nurse and U.S. Army veteran, Corrilyn Meyer, was sentenced to 90 days in jail by State Supreme Court Justice John Collins on Tuesday. This decision came after Meyer pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal crash that resulted in the death of Middle Island resident Dean Arnum on December 30, 2022.

Dean Arnum, a salesperson at Apple Honda in Riverhead, tragically lost his life when he was struck crossing the street by a pickup truck and then by a Subaru Forester driven by Meyer. She failed to turn herself in after the accident, leading to harsh criticism from the judge during the sentencing.

State Supreme Court Justice John Collins expressed his disappointment, stating that Meyer’s actions after the accident were inexcusable. The courtroom was somber, with family and friends of Arnum present, many of whom expressed their grief and sorrow during the trial.

Meyer, represented by attorney Edward Burke Jr. of Sag Harbor, claimed she was unaware of the events that transpired that night. However, Collins pointed out that despite learning of Arnum’s death the following day, Meyer did not speak with the police until five days later when her vehicle was stopped.

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner was unable to conclusively determine which vehicle’s impact caused Arnum’s death, making it challenging for prosecutors to prove at trial. Despite this, Meyer was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years of probation for her role in the tragic incident.

During the sentencing, Ruth Arnum, Dean’s mother, spoke about her son’s character, describing him as someone who loved people. Former teammates of Arnum, who attended the sentencing, remembered him as a compassionate individual.

Meyer, before being taken into custody, apologized to the Arnum family, expressing her deep regret and remorse for the events that unfolded. The sentencing marked a poignant moment for all involved, highlighting the devastating impact of the loss on both families.