Virginia Crash Kills Toddler Days Before His 2nd Birthday; Unlicensed 14-Year-Old Mother Arrested for DUI

A crash in Virginia claimed the life of a one-year-old boy after the vehicle veered off an interstate. His mother, a 14-year-old girl, was driving the vehicle when the crash occurred. The 14-year-old has been arrested.

The crashed occurred in the early morning hours of March 23, along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 in Hampton, according to the Virginia State Police (VSP). Investigators said a silver sedan, driven by the unlicensed teen, veered off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then crossed the highway and collided with a median barrier on the left side of the road, according to People.

A one-year-old boy was inside the vehicle and was not properly restrained, authorities said. The child suffered injuries in the crash and died on March 26.

The 14-year-old driver was also not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries in the crash. Emergency responders transferred her to a local hospital for treatment.

The 14-year-old mother now faces charges for driving under the influence (DUI), operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, and child restraint violations. Additional charges may be filed, but officials have not released further details because the investigation is ongoing.

According to WTKR News3, which spoke with relatives of the victims, the family is reeling from the loss of the child. They have also mentioned that the toddler would have celebrated his second birthday on April 4. The loss has devastated the family.

“I have been in his life since day one. This is the hardest,” the victim’s grandmother said. She said that her 17-year-old son is the child’s father. Although she expressed anger over the incident, she said she could not bring herself to hate the 14-year-old mother of the child, who was driving the car.

“The lord, my spirit, wont let me. My spirit won’t let me,” she said.

Other family members also spoke after the crash. The child’s godfather urged young people to reflect on their actions.

“Be more responsible. Stop trying to outgrow your age and just be your age. There is noting wrong with being a teenager. Stop thinking that you are grown,” he said.