A 1-year-old boy has died following a high-speed collision on Interstate 64 involving an unlicensed 14-year-old driver who now faces driving under the influence (DUI) charges.
The Virginia State Police (VSP) confirmed the toddler succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, March 26, three days after the silver sedan he was traveling in careened out of control in the eastbound lanes of I-64.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 2:04 a.m. on March 23. Authorities report the 14-year-old female driver veered off the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail, and then crossed multiple lanes before slamming into a barrier on the left side of the interstate.
Evidence from the scene indicates that neither the driver nor the infant was restrained at the time of impact. The driver sustained serious injuries and remains under medical care.
State police have filed a string of charges against the minor, including:
- Driving Under the Influence
- Driving Without a License
- Child Restraint Violation
Officials noted that the investigation remains active and additional charges are pending review by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
The tragedy is compounded by the victim’s age; family members told local outlets the boy would have celebrated his second birthday on April 4.
The child’s grandmother identified the 14-year-old driver as the boy’s mother, while her own 17-year-old son is the father. Despite the devastating circumstances, the grandmother expressed a desire for grace over resentment. “The Lord, my spirit, won’t let me [hate her],” she stated.
In the wake of the incident, community members are urging local youth to recognize the life-altering stakes of their decisions. The child’s godfather issued a public plea for teenagers to “be more responsible” and avoid the pressures of adulthood before they are ready.
