Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, a commercial truck driver, was acquitted of causing the deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire in 2019. He appeared at a hearing to reinstate his suspended license, with the state arguing that he still played a role in the crash. Zhukovskyy had his license suspended after the collision that killed seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club. Testifying at the hearing, he expressed confusion and pressure at the time of the accident which led him to believe he was responsible. Prosecutors argued that he had been impaired by heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, but his attorneys disputed this claim, stating there was no evidence of impairment.
The decision to reinstate Zhukovskyy’s license hinges on whether he drove unlawfully and recklessly, materially contributing to the accident. A former Jarheads member injured in the crash voiced opposition to restoring the license, expressing concerns about public safety. The maneuvering leading up to the collision was a point of contention between the defense and prosecution, with conflicting descriptions of the events. Zhukovskyy’s attorney argued that he responded swiftly and did not cause the crash, while the state’s attorney challenged this account based on expert reports showing Zhukovskyy did not see the motorcycle in advance.
The hearing also touched upon Zhukovskyy’s drug use and prior accidents he had been involved in. His lawyers argued against connecting his past actions to the 2019 crash, maintaining his innocence in the incident in question. Descriptions of Zhukovskyy’s driving behavior and the lead biker’s blood-alcohol level were brought up during the hearing, with both parties highlighting different aspects of the events leading up to the tragedy. Zhukovskyy’s license could remain suspended for up to seven years if hearings officer Ryan McFarland rules in favor of the state based on the evidence presented during the hearing.
After being found not guilty in the manslaughter trial, Zhukovskyy faced further legal issues related to his immigration status and past criminal convictions. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took him into custody citing his criminal history, including drug possession and driving violations. Zhukovskyy’s immigration attorney sought asylum for his client, and a judge ordered his deportation in February 2023. However, uncertainties remain about his deportation destination given the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite the deportation order, logistical challenges exist regarding Zhukovskyy’s removal from the U.S. to a country currently in a state of war.
