A driver accused of causing the crash that killed a mother and three of her children has handed himself in almost three months after the fact after being indicted on multiple charges.
Garrett Cole Nix, 35, surrendered to authorities after a grand jury charged him with four counts of manslaughter over the collision that claimed the lives of Ashley Hagood and three of her children.
He is also charged with first-degree assault, driving under the influence, speeding, running a red light and failing to wear a seatbelt, according to court records.
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Nix later posted bond and was released pending further court proceedings, as reported by Need To Know.
Prosecutors allege Nix drove through a red light at speed before smashing into the family’s vehicle.
The crash, which happened in April, killed Ashley, her seven-year-old twin daughters, Bryleigh and Brynleigh Pledger, and her 13-year-old son, Bryant Ballew.
Ashley’s 10-year-old son survived the collision after suffering serious injuries and has since been released from hospital.
Nix’s attorney has denied allegations that his client was impaired, insisting the fatal collision was “a horrible, awful tragedy” but “an accident” that should not result in manslaughter convictions.
The deaths devastated the local community, with loved ones remembering Ashley as a devoted mother who lived entirely for her children.
In a touching obituary, she was described as a loving parent affectionately known as “Wonder Woman” by those closest to her because of her unwavering dedication to her family.
Her eldest son Bryant was remembered as a “kind and tender-hearted” teenager who loved the outdoors, fishing and four-wheelers, and had been looking forward to buying and customising his first truck.
The inseparable seven-year-old twins, Bryleigh and Brynleigh, were described as “beautiful little girls” whose infectious smiles lit up every room.
Family members said the sisters shared an unbreakable bond and brought joy wherever they went.
In one poignant social media post shared before the tragedy, Ashley wrote to her daughters: “No matter how old y’all might be, both of you will always be my little girls.”
According to investigators, Ashley had the right of way when her vehicle was struck at an intersection in Moulton, Alabama, on 11 April.
The case remains ongoing.
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