RICHMOND, Va. -- The family of the man charged with felony involuntary manslaughter earlier this week in the death of noted diplomat, historian and author Elizabeth Brown Pryor released a statement Friday afternoon.
Robert Stevens Gentil's family said they were heartbroken over the accident.
The tragic events that led to the death of Ms. Elizabeth Pryor have broken the hearts of her family, colleagues, and students. And they have broken our hearts, as well. We join the extended Pryor family and the University of Richmond family in mourning her death and offer our sincerest condolences and prayers. Their loss is our loss, and one we will feel deeply, forever.
Our family member, Robert Gentil, will be held accountable to this community. In time, the community will learn that the events giving rise to this tragedy were not the product of conscious, reckless conduct, nor were the consequences fueled by alcohol or drugs. Rather they were the culmination of a mental health condition with which Robert and his family have struggled for a decade and believed had appropriately addressed. We know this reality will not lessen the loss of Ms. Pryor or diminish the pain of her absence. It may, though, place in a more understandable context this unforeseeable tragedy.
With Deepest Sorrow,
The Gentil Family
Robert S. Gentil (PHOTO: Richmond Police)
Gentil's attorney Ted Bruns said his client had a history of manic episodes and his medical condition contributed to Monday's fatal crash. Gentil, 32, appeared in court Friday morning via video.
Gentil's Mitsubishi Outlander was traveling 80-90 miles per hour when it struck Pryor's car Monday afternoon. Pryor was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Gentil's vehicle then jumped the median, ran through a fence and struck the front of a home. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Bruns said his client remained bumped, bruised and battered.
During Monday's hearing, the judge granted Gentil $50,000 bond. As part of the bond, the judge took Gentil's driver's license and ordered him to see a psychiatrist. He must also wear an electronic monitoring device and live with his parents, at least until his June preliminary hearing.
Richmond prosecutor Christine Cestaro said she objected to Gentil being released on bond. She declined to comment on the specifics of the case.
A funeral service for Elizabeth Brown Pryor is scheduled for Monday afternoon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on East Grace Street in Richmond. The service is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
