Mo. woman sentenced for fatal sneeze-induced crash

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) - A Smithville driver whose sneezing fit caused a crash that killed a woman and left her young son paralyzed has been sentenced to probation and 100 hours of community service.

The Kansas City Star (http://bit.ly/12nhwBN) reports 45-year-old Kathryn Brady previously pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner and failing to register an out-of-state vehicle.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the Nov. 14 crash east of Smithville happened after Brady started "sneezing violently" and her minivan crossed the center line and struck another vehicle head-on.

She was sentenced Wednesday in Clay County to two years' probation, community service and she must take a defensive driving course.

The crash killed 30-year-old Laura McClendon and left her son, Jett Kirkland, now 2, paralyzed.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com