A West Virginia man was arrested after he killed his 12-year-old grandson when his off-road vehicle flipped over while he was driving drunk.
Michael Hager was charged with DUI causing death after his grandson, Abel Sims, died in the crash on Wednesday, November 11.
The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon when Hager, 51, and Abel 12, were in a side-by-side off-road vehicle just outside of Barboursville, West Virginia, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WSAZ.
While Hager was behind the wheel, he allegedly lost control and the vehicle flipped over with both him and Abel inside of it.
Authorities then reported to the scene, where they found the vehicle upside down. Abel was then pronounced dead at the scene after he sustained injuries from the crash.
Cabell County Sheriff’s Office deputies reported that Hager smelled like alcohol, he was slurring his words and he nearly fell backward at one point while speaking to authorities. It was also reported that he had a “droopy” and “flushed face,” “droopy” eyelids, “glassy eyes,” a “blank stare and dilated pupils.”
Hager also allegedly would not cooperate with the investigators, which led him to being detained in the back of a police car.
The grandfather was arrested and taken into custody at the Western Regional Jail, where he is being held on a $50,000 bond. Hager is next scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Friday, November 20.
It’s not currently clear if Hager has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Following the tragedy, Abel’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his funeral expenses.
“I have no words to describe the pain I’m witnessing my family go through right now. This is something no family should ever have to prepare for. If you knew Abel, you loved Abel,” fundraiser organizer Olyvia Hager, who is Abel’s aunt, wrote. “He was the best big brother. He was the best boy, and none of this feels real, but somehow it is, and money is the last thing I want on my sister’s mind.”
The family also shared several photos of Abel, which showed him enjoying outdoor activities and spending quality time with loved ones.
The fundraiser has earned $12,485 from 198 donors as of time of publication, which is over the initial goal of $10,000.
