An eight-year-old Georgia boy was killed on his birthday after a pickup truck slammed into him.
Camden Poole died following a collision between the vehicle and his family’s Hyundai on Monday, FOX 8 Live reports.
The youngster had been out celebrating his birthday with his parents when the Augusta crash took place.
All three were taken to the hospital where Camden later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities identified the driver of the pickup truck as Lee E. Jones, 49, and charged him with second degree homicide by vehicle and failing to yield while turning left.
The crash took place at around 1:04pm between Peach Orchard Road and Tobacco Road.
Jones, of Waynesboro, told investigators that he was tailing a car ahead of him turning left on a green light.
At the same time, Camden’s mom was driving in the opposite direction and also attempted to turn left.
Camden Poole was killed on his birthday after a pickup truck slammed into him
Poole died following a collision between the vehicle and his family’s Hyundai on Monday, his eighth birthday
She told the police that her light changed to yellow as she approached the intersection, but that she had time to make it.
The collision took place as the pickup truck tried to turn, police said adding that Jones is at fault for failure to yield when turning left.
Jones was booked into Charles B. Webster Detention Center and is currently listed as an inmate in the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office system.
The Augusta Press reports that Jones has a litany of driving offences against his name, including a previous DUI convictions.
He also has other driving-related charges for reckless driving, driving while license suspended and speeding.
The tragedy has left Camden’s parents devastated.
‘I am heart broken and honestly have no words at this time. I appreciate all of the loving words for my baby,’ his mom Kayla Poole wrote.
‘He was truly the sweetest boy and always put a smile on everyone’s face. He was my best friend and such a mama’s boy.
Authorities identified the driver of the pickup truck as 49-year-old Lee E. Jones, who has been charged over the death
Camden was taken to the hospital along with his mom Kayla and her boyfriend Clay, the other occupants of the car, where the youngster succumbed to his injuries
‘I cant wait to see you again one day beautiful boy. You’re the reason I do what I do and I’m going to keep striving for you knowing you’re looking down on me cheering me on.’
Camden’s grandmother also set up a GoFundMe to support funeral costs.
‘On May 5th our world was torn apart and my family lost our beloved Camden,’ Monica Poole wrote.
‘My daughter Kayla, boyfriend Clay and my grandson was in a horrible car accident.
‘Unfortunately we lost her son Camden on his 8th birthday and our lives have been changed forever.’
Camden’s loss was also mourned by Hephzibah Elementary School.
‘The students and staff of Hephzibah Elementary School experienced a tragedy with the death of one of our second-grade students. All of us are grieving this tragic loss,’ Principal Dr. Josh Workman wrote to parents.
‘Your child may have a special need at this time for your comfort and support; please try to be available to listen to them,’ Workman added.
‘This is a very difficult time for all of us. We want to be sensitive to the needs of your children.’
