Relatives said the child would have turned 2 on April 4
A heartbreaking crash in Hampton, Virginia has resulted in the death of a 1-year-old child, according to local authorities. The incident involved a vehicle operated by an underage driver, drawing widespread concern from the community.
The crash occurred around 2:04 a.m., local time on March 23 in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64, the Virginia State Police (VSP) told PEOPLE.
Authorities said a silver sedan driven by a 14-year-old girl veered off the right side of the road, striking a guardrail, before crossing over and hitting a lane barrier on the left side of the interstate.
A 1-year-old was inside the vehicle and not properly restrained, authorities said. The child died on Thursday, March 26, from injuries sustained in the crash.
The 14-year-old driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. She was also not wearing a seatbelt.
Police said the driver is facing charges that include driving under the influence, driving without a license and a child restraint violation.
Additional charges may be pending, though officials have not released further details.
Relatives say the child who died would have turned 2 on April 4, per WTKR News 3.
For the family, the loss has been devastating. “I’ve been in his life since day one. This is the hardest,” the baby’s grandmother told the outlet.
She noted that her 17-year-old son is the child’s father. While she expressed anger over what happened, she said she could not bring herself to hate the child’s mother, whom she identified as the 14-year-old driver.
“The Lord, my spirit, won’t let me. My spirit won’t let me,” she said.
Others close to the family also spoke out in the wake of the crash. The baby’s godfather, urged young people to reflect on their actions.
“Be more responsible,” he told the outlet. “Stop trying to outgrow your age and just be your age. There’s nothing wrong with being a teenager. Stop thinking that you’re grown.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
