The Upper Nazareth man who authorities said caused an accident that killed a Russian friend and co-worker pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle and drunken driving in Northampton County Court Monday, the Morning Call has reported.

In court, Thomas J. Frezza, 21, reportedly admitted to leaving a July 2011 Bethlehem party at which he drank heavily, although he said he can't remember leaving or driving up an exit ramp to Route 412 in order to enter I-78.

Minutes after entering the highway, Frezza's vehicle collided with a tractor trailer in Lower Saucon Township, killing his passenger, Evgeny Vinogradov, 21.

Frezza was sentenced by Judge Edward Smith to two-and-a-half to five years in jail as part of a plea agreement, the Morning Call article indicated.