"Tragic all around": Landen Glass video sparks safety debate in wake of Raleigh Christmas Parade accident

A Christmas Parade in Raleigh, North Carolina, was struck with terror after 11-year-old Hailey Kaye Brooks was hit by a truck driven by 20-year-old Landen Glass.

Netizens have since taken to social media to grieve the loss of the young girl and feel sympathetic towards the man who has to live with the tragedy.

The accident took place at around 10.14 am on the Hillsborough Street and Boylan Avenue intersection when Landen Glass’ truck lost control and hit Brooks.

In a video of the incident, one could see several participants run away from the vehicle that lost control. Landen Glass was honking wildly and shouting that his truck’s brakes were not working.

A few individuals were seen chasing the vehicle and attempting to stop it with their bare strength. Eventually, six individuals, including two police officers, were able to halt the truck.

Landen Glass has been charged with a misdemeanor, death by a motor vehicle, improper equipment, unsafe movement, careless and reckless driving, and carrying a firearm in a parade. The youngster was released on a $4000 bond and is scheduled for his first court appearance on January 26, 2023.

Speaking about Hailey Kaye Brooks’ tragic loss, her parents, Trey and April Brooks, released 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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Netizens react to Landen Glass’s truck striking at the young girl

Internet users were astonished by the tragic incident. Several netizens expressed sorrow over the death of Brooks. While some felt pity for Landen Glass as they believed that the youngster did not intentionally plan the tragedy, others slammed the driver for not ensuring that his vehicle was in stable working condition before the event.

The News Observer claimed that Landel Glass was driving a GMC pickup truck that had undergone several market modifications. Several netizens opined that this must have led to the tragedy.

A GoFundMe titled #standupforlanden has been created to assist Hailey Kaye Brooks’s funeral organization and help Landen Glass with his “lawyer cost.” A “peaceful rally” is also scheduled to take place in “Raleigh North Carolina at 2838 Wake Forrest Rd” on December 10 on behalf of the media “slandering” Glass and blaming his modified truck.

Fundraisers have been created for Landen Glass and Hailey Brooks (Images via GoFundMe)

Hailey Brooks' family has also created their own GoFundMe in hopes of raising funds to create a non-profit organization to continue her legacy.

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­­­­­­­­­Update 2023: Landen Glass placed on house arrest

As per the latest updates available online, Glass was released from his brief stint in jail in March 2023. He has since been placed on house arrest. The 20-year-old is prohibited from driving in North Carolina without an examination being conducted on his vehicle.

During his first court appearance, Glass’ lawyer Roger Smith explained that the former was deeply affected by the incident. Smith said:

“Landen is so sorry, he is so distraught for what happened. He is haunted as to what happened. He will be haunted by those events for the rest of his life.”

Glass was released from jail after the judge had set a $250,000 bond. As per Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman, he could face up to two years of jail time if the court does not go in his favour.