Tyler Henderson from Orange Beach has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a drunk driving crash that killed Mt. Vernon Police Officer Ivan Lopez. Henderson, 33, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The crash happened in August 2022. Henderson ran a stop sign at County Road 36 and Highway 59 in Summerdale. His blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. He collided with Lopez's police cruiser.

Officer Lopez died instantly in the crash. A passenger in Henderson's truck was also injured. Initially, Henderson faced murder charges.

READ ARTICLE WHEN FIRST REPORTED: Orange Beach Man Charged With Murder of Officer

In August of 2022 the following recap was given by law enforcement: An Orange Beach man, Tyler Lee Henderson, has been charged with reckless murder in the Aug. 22 traffic death of Mount Vernon Police Officer Ivan Lopez.

“The identity of the driver has been verified and warrants have been issued for the arrest of Tyler Lee Henderson of Orange Beach, Alabama,” Summerdale Police Chief Kevin Brock said Sept. 1 at a news conference. “Current charges are reckless murder, DUI assault, driving while suspended and violation of the Alabama Ignition Interlock law.”

Henderson was under court order to have a vehicle equipped with a system to check his alcohol level before he can drive. The truck in the accident did not have the equipment installed.

“A gray 2017 GMC truck was traveling west on County Road 36 at an excessive rate of speed,” Brock said. “Officer Lopez was traveling south on Highway 59 in the outside lane. The truck approached the stop sign at Highway 59 and never slowed down. He crossed four lanes of traffic and made contact with Lopez and caused what can only be described as an explosion. We believe officer Lopez was killed upon impact. As for the driver of the truck, alcohol was a contributing factor.”