Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty For Deadly Grand Lake Boating Accident

A Tulsa man pleaded guilty Wednesday in a deadly boating accident on Grand Lake more than a year ago.

John Deselms said he takes full responsibility for driving drunk and killing two of his friends from the University of Arkansas.

It was at the Delaware County Courthouse that John Deselms pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon.

9/13/2013 Related Story: Tulsa Man Charged In Deadly Grand Lake Boat Wreck

"If I could take it back I obviously would. If I could trade places with either of them I would,” he said.

Investigators said 21-year-old Deselms was driving drunk when his boat slammed into a parked house boat at the Arrowhead Yacht Club on Grand Lake in May of 2013.

Rachel Swetnam of Tulsa and Trey Varner of Arkansas both died in the crash.

In court documents, Deselms said he'd drank ten beers, a shot of tequila and had taken an anti-depressant the day of the crash.

5/22/2013 Related Story: GRDA: Driver In Deadly Grand Lake Boat Crash Was Under the Influence

"I want people to know I accepted responsibility for this and will continue to do so,” Deselms said.

Wednesday he waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree manslaughter.

Friends and family of Swetnam and Varner were in court Wednesday, they said this has been a tragedy for all the families involved and just want it to be over.

"Every day is a struggle. Just waking up going to bed, knowing what has happened. I lost two good friends, now I have to watch their families go through this. It is a feeling I wouldn't wish on my own worst enemy,” said Deselms.

It's a struggle for all those involved, especially those wearing their loved ones names and faces who couldn't be in court Wednesday.

Deselms will be sentenced December 29th. He faces four years to life for each count of manslaughter.