Charges still pending in Daphne accident

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA) - As a 3-year-old boy clings to life, questions continue to surround a high school girl who swerved off Hwy. 98 in Daphne.

The Friday morning wreck took the life of the boy’s grandmother and left his mother and sister injured as well.

Life-shattering wreck

An early morning wreck last Friday at Pickett Avenue and Highway 98 has tragically changed a family’s life forever.

Faye Grier was killed. Her daughter and 6-year-old granddaughter were injured. A mangled car remains.

FOX10 News was able to speak to some of the family, including the 6-year-old, Genesys Chaney. She’s beat-up, but recovering, as is her mother Brandy Chaney.

Grier’s 3-year-old grandson, Lathen, was hurt badly; doctors have said his chance of survival is slim. As of midday Monday, he continued to fight for his life at Sacred Heart Hospital.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old girl on her way to school survived the crash in her own car, and the cause of the accident remains unknown.

Full, broadside impact

At the intersection, you can see the tracks and skid marks left by the teenage girl.

The family’s vehicle was hit broadside. The impacts were enormous. First responders had to remove the roof of the family’s sedan to get them out.

Daphne Police Chief David Carpenter said, “The accident is under investigation by our traffic homicide investigators. They are out today working the case and trying to gather all the information they can and talk to witnesses.”

What caused the teen to suddenly swerve off the highway has been a source of speculation, and police have yet to press charges.

“We’re just trying to tie up any loose ends that may have caused this accident. We know that she lost control of her vehicle and we’re just trying to find out what caused that,” Chief Carpenter said.

Chief Carpenter told us the investigation will take at least a week and then the findings will be turned over to a grand jury for any possible charges.