Santa Clara County to pay $800,000 for loss of daughter

In March of 2008, Deputy James Council fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the center line, and struck three bicyclists, killing two and badly injuring the third.  Matt Peterson, 29, and Kristy Gough, 30, had both won their divisions at a road-racing event eight days before they were killed.  Rip Gough and Karen Clarkson, Kristy’s parents, as well as Matt’s parents, John and Betty Peterson, sued the county in Superior Court.  The county came to an agreement in October to pay $1.2 million to Clarkson, and they settled with the Petersons in July for $2.3 million.  The third victim, Christopher Knapp, has a lawsuit pending.  The most recent information came Thursday, when officials announced that Santa Clara County has agreed to pay the father, Rip Gough,  $800,000.

As a result of the tragedy, James Council was sentenced to four months in jail and 800 hours of community service.  He pled guilty to two counts of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.  Council was also demoted to an unsworn position.  He is not allowed to drive a patrol car or carry a gun.