On September 26, 2008, a 42-year-old man in Dudley Shoals, North Carolina caused a single-car accident, hitting a tree and killing his 9-year-old son. The man was arrested at the scene of the fatal car accident and was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. More charges are pending an investigation and the result of blood tests.

Authorities believe the man was driving while under the influence of prescription medication, but also state he may have been abusing the medication.

Six children were in the vehicle at the time of the fatal DWI car accident, as well as the children’s 31-year-old mother. The mother may face criminal neglect charges pending the result of an investigation.

A 7-year-old boy was treated and released from an area hospital. Four other children – a 1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old and 5-year-old – are all in critical condition in a Winston-Salem hospital.

Source: Richard Gould, “Still in critical,” Hickory Daily Record, October 1, 2008.