A 1-year-old Virginia boy tragically died just days after sustaining severe injuries in a car crash that police claim was caused by his 14-year-old mother.
The little boy, who was identified only as Ma’Khai by relatives, was involved in an early morning crash on Monday, March 23, according to local media outlet WTKR News 3. The child died on Thursday, March 26, at an area hospital.
Investigators allege that the teen mom was intoxicated at the time of the deadly car wreck in Hampton, the station reported.
“I’ve been in his life since day one,” April Logan, Ma’Khai’s grandmother, told WTKR News 3. “This is the hardest.”
The teen mother’s name was not included in the report.
Virginia State Police told WTKR News 3 that Ma’Khai’s mother was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash on Interstate 64 in Hampton, near the 261-mile marker. Investigators also claim the baby boy was not properly secured in a child car seat, per the report.
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The 14-year-old was allegedly driving while intoxicated when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road, slammed into a guardrail and then crossed over the highway and into a lane barrier.
The relatives who spoke to WTKR News 3 said they do not know how the teen mom gained access to the vehicle or who might have owned the car the child ultimately crashed.
The police said that the mother was also seriously injured in the crash but did not disclose any further details.
She faces charges of driving under the influence, driving without a license and a child restraint violation. The child’s death, though, could mean additional charges for the young mom, police said.
The crash remains under investigation, state police confirmed.
Relatives said that Ma’Khai would have turned 2 on April 4.
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Logan explained to WTKR News 3 her 17-year-old son is Ma’Khai’s biological father. She also told the station she can’t hate the child’s mother for the deadly accident.
“The Lord, my spirit, won’t let me. My spirit won’t let me,” said Logan.
Ma’Khai’s godfather, Donte Walls, offered up some words of advice for young people.
“Be more responsible,” Wells said. “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.”
Virginia State Police did not return Us Weekly’s calls for comment on Sunday, March 29.
