VALENTINE, Neb. - An Arkansas man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for hitting and killing a bicyclist near Valentine last year.

Family and friends of both the victim and the defendant filled the Cherry County Courthouse on Friday for the emotional sentencing.

Marylin Covalciuc, the widow of 83-year-old Larry Covalciuc of Council Bluffs, Iowa, said her husband was a passionate cyclist and photographer whose work had been displayed in galleries across the country. He was participating in Tour De Nebraska when he was struck and killed.

“He had sent me a picture ten minutes before he was killed,” Marylin said. “When he left that morning for his ride in Nebraska, I said, ‘Drive safely, and be really careful, and I love you.’ I never got to say goodbye to Larry.”

The driver, 36-year-old Adam Cooper, apologized in court, saying the crash forever changed the lives of two families. During sentencing, Cooper fought back tears and even vomited.

“I am reminded every morning that a man’s life was lost,” said Cooper. “I have had nightmares. I have not slept in over a year. My church and pastor have been providing council for me. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”

Cooper told the judge he has not driven since the crash and does not plan to ever drive again. During his prepared remarks, Cooper held the paper inches from his face due to extremely poor eyesight, and the judge questioned why he had ever been licensed to drive.

“I’m not sure why he was driving a very large truck,” Marylin said.

She also believes the sentence was too light — particularly since Cooper didn’t stop after striking her husband.

“I think with good time, he’ll be out in nine months. I don’t think Larry got the justice he deserved,” Marylin said.

“This is a most difficult case,” said Judge Mark Kozisek. “Here we have a husband and friend who was lost because of an accident. You (Cooper) didn’t purposely cause the accident, but you did cause it.”

Before handing down the sentence, Kozisek mentioned that Cooper’s wife is a stay-at-home mom with two kids, and Cooper provided the family’s only income. He also mentioned that Cooper has a limited criminal history, but that he did lie to a sheriff during the case.

For Covalciuc, the grief is deep. She said she and her husband of more than 60 years worked side-by-side for more than five decades.

“He was also my best friend — not just my husband, but my best friend and companion,” she said.