Two young boys lost their lives in an instant after a driver high on drugs plowed into them while they were playing outside.
Three-year-old Hunter Jackson and Odin Ratliff were playing outside the Cedar Valley Stables in Eagle Mountain, Utah, when 25-year-old Kent Cody Barlow lost control of his vehicle, blasted through the road fence and a steel pole fence at the site, and plowed into the children.
As the Utah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed after the incident, both boys died “instantly” after the vehicle crashed into them.
It has also come to light that Barlow was high on meth and that he was driving recklessly at around 100 mph before drifting off the road and smashing through the fence.
Police have since released images showing the heavily damaged steel fence and the suspect’s car turned upside down.
Following the crash, Barlow and his three passengers were treated for abrasions and bruises, whereas the two toddlers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Barlow was since arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, speeding, DUI with personal injury, DUI with criminal negligence, DUI with serious bodily injury, automobile homicide, failure to operate within a single lane, possession of a controlled substance, and failure to obey traffic control devices.
Meanwhile, the families of little Hunter and Odin confirmed the boys’ identities. Family friends also launched a GoFundMe page to help the two families pay for funeral costs.
“Our hearts ache for the Ratliff and Jackson families! Odin Ratliff and Hunter Jackson tragically lost their lives at the age of 3 on Monday, May 2. Playing, innocently in the sand with their toy trucks, these boys have been best friends from the start loving to play in the dirt while at Cedar Valley Stables. The stables have always been a second home to these boys,” the page reads.
“Due to reckless and under the influenced driving, the families of these boys are now mourning the loss of their little ones. Please help to raise awareness of this situation so we can help these two families with funeral costs.
“We will be taking the proceeds and dividing it equally between the two families. Nothing can help with this kind of loss and our hearts all ache. Please take a moment to donate and share so we can help ease these grieving families at this time.”
Our thoughts are with the Ratliff and Jackson families during these challenging times.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends. For more news and stories, follow us on Facebook!
Recommended Video For You!
Paralysed Car Crash Survivor Becomes Fitness Model | TRULY