Actor Lane Garrison was treated to a welcome home party by childhood pal Jessica Simpson and her family on Wednesday to celebrate his release from a California prison.

The former Prison Break star was locked up in November 2007 for a drunk driving incident in December 2006, which left a 17-year-old passenger dead. He was due to serve 40 months behind bars on charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence after alcohol and traces of cocaine were found in his system, but he won an early release for good behavior.

Garrison was met by friends and family as he left California Correctional Institute in rural Tehachapi in the early hours of Wednesday, and reunited with more pals at a special afternoon bash held at Joe and Tina Simpson's Enchino, California home, reports Eonline.com. Pop star Jessica attended the bash, although her sister Ashlee was not present.

However the party was a short-lived one - after mingling with guests, the fallen star headed to the Tarzana Treatment Center, where he is will undergo a five-month stint to kick his drug habit and shorten his probation period. And Garrison is eager to put his troubles behind him so he can use his experiences to aid others.

He says, "I'm blessed to be alive. I'm just worried about getting through treatment right now. I'm looking forward to getting on with my life and doing the right thing and helping people."

Garrison's release comes just weeks after he settled a civil suit with the family of his victim Vahagn Setian. The details of the deal have not been disclosed to the public.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)