Bruce Kimball, a former U.S. Olympic platform diver who competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Games and was widely known in American diving circles, was sentenced to 17 years in prison after a drunk-driving crash that killed a child and injured several others. The crash, which occurred in January 1989, ended the diver’s public career and became a widely reported criminal case because of his athletic reputation and the tragic consequences of the collision. Facts of the crash and legal outcome On the night of January 30, 1989, Kimball was driving a car that collided with a family vehicle. The crash killed a 7-year-old boy, severely injured other family members, and left multiple victims with lasting physical trauma. Authorities charged Kimball with vehicular homicide and other related offenses, alleging he was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the wreck. Following criminal proceedings, a court sentenced him to 17 years in prison. The conviction reflected the seriousness of the charges and the loss of life resulting from the crash. Background: Kimball’s athletic career Bruce Kimball had been a high-profile figure in U.S. diving. He was the silver medalist in the 10-meter platform at the 1984 Olympics and had been expected to remain a leading figure in the sport. His prominence contributed to national media interest when the crash and subsequent prosecution unfolded. Public reaction and aftermath The case received extensive coverage in national and regional news outlets, in part because it involved a former Olympian and in part because of the tragic death of a young child. Survivors and victims’ families faced long-term physical and emotional repercussions. The legal proceedings, sentencing, and debates over appropriate punishment for DUI-related fatalities were followed closely by the public and by commentators concerned with road safety and alcohol-impaired driving. Legal and social context DUI-related fatalities have for decades prompted scrutiny of sentencing practices, prevention efforts, and public education about impaired driving. High-profile cases involving well-known individuals often intensify public attention to these issues, sometimes prompting discussions about consistency in sentencing and the responsibilities of public figures. The Kimball case is one of several incidents from the period that underscored the lethal consequences of driving while intoxicated and contributed to ongoing calls for stricter enforcement and prevention measures. Notes on sources and accuracy This summary is based on contemporaneous reporting of the crash and later accounts of the legal proceedings. Some specifics—such as detailed sentencing breakdowns, appeal history, or subsequent parole information—are not covered here; those elements can be verified in court records and archived news reports for readers seeking full legal documentation. Where details were uncertain in public accounts, this summary avoids conjecture and reports the core, verifiable facts: the date of the crash, the fatality of a 7-year-old child, the DUI-related charges, and the 17-year prison sentence imposed on Bruce Kimball. Legacy The case remains a reference point in discussions about alcohol-impaired driving and the consequences that follow. It also marked a dramatic and public fall from prominence for an athlete who had once represented his country on the Olympic stage, illustrating how a single incident can reshape personal legacies and public conversations about safety and accountability.