A man pleaded guilty Monday to a charge related to a drunk-driving crash that killed a 26-year-old employee of Duke University.

Gregory Coley pleaded guilty to felonious death by motor vehicle in the 2021 deadly crash involving Daniel Watt.

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Coley received a six- to eight-year prison sentence.

Watt’s family does not believe the sentence is enough.

On Monday, Watt’s fiancée, Elizabeth Greenlee, brought a scrapbook to court. The latter pages are empty as a symbol of the life they won’t be able to live together.

Greenlee was on the phone with Watts on Aug. 3, 2021, when Coley hit the the Lyft that Watts was riding in.

“The phone never disconnected,” Greenlee said. “I heard everything.

“I heard everyone arrive at the scene. I heard them find his body.”

State troopers said Coley was going 143 mph and had a blood alcohol content nearly twice that of the legal limit at the time of the crash along Highway 147, which is also known as the Durham Freeway. Coley said he passed out behind the wheel with his foot still on the gas.

On Monday, Coley apologized to the Watt family in court.

“I want to sincerely apologize for my action that led to the accident, and I am profoundly sorry for the pain and heartache it has caused your family,” Coley said. “I cannot begin to imagine the grief you are experiencing, and I deeply regret that my choices contributed to such sorrow."

Coley’s attorney, Julian Hall, said his client has not any alcohol since the night of the crash. Hall said Coley has worn an alcohol-monitoring bracelet for two years and been on house arrest since then. Coley also no longer has a commercial driver’s license, according to Hall.

Hall said Coley spends his time caring for his mother, who is dying of cancer. According to Hall, Coley's mother may not survive the duration of his sentence. Hall also said Coley has made himself available to any group that will listen to him about the dangers of DWI.

Watt’s sister also spoke in court on Monday.

“The wound has not healed,” the sibling said. “Rather, I, like a gnarled tree have simply grown around it.

"The [district attorney] has made the abhorrent decision to make Durham a safe haven for drunk drivers."

On Monday, the Durham County District Attorney's Office released a statement.

“I want to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Watt, whose life was taken in such a tragic way," the statement reads. "We understand this is not the outcome Mr. Watt’s family wanted, but as a prosecutor’s office it is our duty to make difficult and fact-based decisions every day that unfortunately may not always align with valid emotions surrounding a case.

"Mr. Coley has pled guilty to felony death by vehicle, a class D felony on par with voluntary manslaughter and the most serious charge initially filed by law enforcement in this matter. This resolution is in line with the evidence, the law, and similar cases and ensures Mr. Coley is held accountable for his irresponsible and dangerous actions.”

The district attorney's office said District Attorney Satana Deberry also met with Watt's family for several hours the month before a 2023 hearing on the case.

Greenlee said years of waiting in limbo has magnified her pain.

“I can't even describe the horror and trauma I experienced waiting for there to be justice,” Greenlee said.

Watt’s family described Watt as a loyal and caring brother, son and fiancé.

“How are we, as a society, going to deter this if we keep letting people drink, drive and get off free?” said Eugene Watt, the victim’s father.

The victim’s brother, also named Eugene Watt, spoke Monday too.

“I'm also a little bit scared for this community given the light sentencing that just took place there,” the younger Eugene Watt said. “Six to eight years for drunk driving at 143 miles per hour at double the alcohol limit seems very light to me, and it doesn't seem to be a major deterrent for drinking and driving in this county."

While family members said they are not happy with the result, they’re glad the chapter of grieving is closed.

In June 2023, a judge rejected a plea deal for Coley, saying it was too lenient. At the time, Watt’s family was upset the district attorney was willing to downgrade the charges for the man who killed their loved one.