Columbia man sentenced in deadly crash

A Columbia man was sentenced to 7 years in prison Monday afternoon for the deadly crash that killed a 24-year-old woman and severely injured a New Bloomfield police officer.

22-year-old Spencer Gordon pleaded guilty in March to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of 2nd degree assault following the crash.

Investigators said Gordon’s vehicle and another were driving south on Providence Road near the Hinkson Creek Bridge when Gordon crossed the center line into the lane of the second vehicle, causing both vehicles to make contact and lose control.

The impact caused the second vehicle, driven by New Bloomfield police officer Michael Tufts, to hit the median barrier and flip multiple times.

Tufts was thrown from the vehicle and remains seriously injured in a coma. Tufts’ passenger, 24-year-old Michelle Morrow was killed in the accident.

Columbia Police who were at the accident said Gordon’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and he showed multiple signs of impairment.

Gordon was quoted by Columbia Police as saying he had consumed alcoholic beverages earlier in the evening.

Court documents said Gordon’s blood alcohol level was .122.

Gordon was sentenced on all three counts to run concurrently.