'She had a humble heart': Family of 11-yr-old girl tragically killed at Raleigh Christmas Parade issues statement
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: Hailey Kaye Brooks' family was left heartbroken when they lost their daughter, 11, in a tragic accident. Her parents, Trey and April Brooks released a statement on Tuesday, November 22 stating, "Hailey’s tragic death has left their family heartbroken and in shock." Hailey, a member of CC & Co was dancing in the Raleigh Christmas Parade, when Landen Glass, 20, lost control of his pickup truck [GMC Denali] while hauling the float and slammed into the dance troupe, killing her, on Saturday, November 19, as per WRAL.
Hailey Brooks' family issued a statement that read, “Hailey’s tragic death has left our family heartbroken and in shock. She had a kind and humble heart that was always focused on caring for the needs of those around her. Even in her final hours, Hailey showed her loving and giving spirit to the younger children who were with her in the parade."
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“We greatly appreciate the love and support that the community has shown us, and we plan to share more about Hailey’s special life soon. At this time, we ask that the media respect our family’s need for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dear Hailey," the statement further reads.
The driver, Glass is accused of numerous criminal offenses, including involuntary manslaughter by motor vehicle, unsafe movement, carelessness and recklessness, and carrying a firearm in a parade. According to Glass' arrest warrant, authorities accused him of having a poor braking system.
Over the weekend, mourners left flowers and handwritten notes, on Hillsborough Street, close to the junction where Brooks was killed. Another memorial was formed at the CC & Co studio on Six Forks Road, where the other dancers showed both love and despair, “You are my bestie no matter where you are,” read one card adorned by hand-drawn hearts. The family of Hailey thanked everyone for their kindness and support but asked for space to grieve, reported AOL.
Owner of CC & Co Dance Complex Christy Curtis expressed her and the staff's devastation over the tragedy in a statement late on Saturday, November 23 afternoon. “Our dance family is a close-knit group and today our hearts are broken,” Curtis said. “We are working closely with authorities as they determine what happened and why.”
Glass is presently out on bail and, if found guilty, he will spend up to a year in jail.