A hit-and-run drag racer who struck and killed a high school vice principal has been sentenced to 13 years in state prison.

Freddy Garcia apologized to Tyrone Harrison’s family during his sentencing Wednesday. The Piscataway man had pleaded guilty in May to several charges, including vehicular homicide and causing death while driving with a suspended license.

Authorities have said Garcia was drag racing in Piscataway last October when he lost control of his 2003 Honda Accord, crashed through a sign and struck the 49-year-old Harrison, who was vice principal at New Brunswick High School. 

Garcia, who allegedly belonged to the 78 Imports car club believed to have been involved in the drag race, later falsely reported that his car, which wasn't registered or insured, was stolen. Garcia also had been issued a dozen motor vehicular summonses. 

Harrison was pronounced dead at the scene. He was walking from the Edison train station to a relative’s house when he was struck. He had worked as an educator in New Brunswick for 17 years.

Ken Redler, the principal at New Brunswick High School, called Harrison "the most peaceful man in the world."