Published: April 16, 2008 11:52 am      

Woman convicted in alcohol-related fatality

TRAVERSE CITY -- Gerald Frost loved nothing more than spending time with his family, his son said, and his absence weighs heavily on his children and grandchildren.

"We're going to miss having him available to enjoy times with ... the picnics we had, or just sitting around talking," Gerald Frost Jr. said. "It's a big loss for the family. Something's going to be missing now."

Frost, 74, of Lake Ann, died Dec. 12 when a van driven by Patricia Ann Steele crossed the center line on U.S. 31 south and slammed into his vehicle. Frost was pronounced dead at the scene, and his wife, Elaine Frost, 76, suffered a broken leg and other serious injuries.

Frost Jr., of Haslett, and other family members were present Tuesday afternoon when a Grand Traverse County jury found Steele, 48, guilty of operating while intoxicated causing death, operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, second offense drunken-driving and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle.

Police said a test given after the crash showed Steele's blood alcohol content to be .36, more than four times the state's legal limit of .08.

Steele's trial began April 8 and wrapped up Tuesday afternoon. Frost Jr. was relieved and grateful for the conviction, he said.

"I felt that it was the right decision," he said. "We're just thankful to the jury and the prosecutor, and the police officers ... it's a very good community up there."

Marcie Correll, Frost's daughter, also was happy to see Steele convicted.

"This is what she deserves," Correll, of Lake Ann, said. "It's justice, and I'm glad to see this go through."

Frost Jr. said Elaine Frost is making a good recovery, and Correll said Steele's conviction has brought some solace for her mother. Both Frost Jr. and Correll hope media coverage of the crash and trial will make people think twice about driving drunk.

"If you're going to drink, don't drive. It's just a terrible situation for all involved, and it's a situation that doesn't have to happen," Frost Jr. said. "It's a sad story that doesn't have to be told, and I hope that's what's thought about."

Steele's sentencing is set for May 16.