By Dan Corcoran

Creswell, Ore. -- The intoxicated driver in a June head on crash that claimed the lives of his best friend and also a 5-year old girl, has been sentenced to 17-years behind bars.

41-year old Stephen Jason whitaker plead guilty to two counts of manslaughter in connection to the June 17th crash near Creswell.

Investigators say Whitaker was drunk when he lost control of his motor-home on Interstate Five, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a car carrying 5-year old Kailee Coontz and her parents.

The young girl died shortly after.  Also killed was John Ray Ratliff, Whitaker's friend.