WEST VIRGINIA — A trip home from a football event turned into a devastating tragedy when a father driving with his three children crashed an SUV into a parked construction vehicle, killing his two sons, according to authorities.
The crash happened on Aug. 22, when James Edward Neal Jr., 34, was driving with his 7-year-old son, James Edward Neal III, his 13-year-old son, Zayden Andrew Hurley, and a 14-year-old boy who was a friend of the boys.
According to authorities, the family was returning from a football event when Neal suddenly crashed into a stationary front-end loader operated by the West Virginia Department of Highways.
West Virginia State Police, firefighters and medics responded to the scene. Investigators found that James and Zayden had died in the crash.
The third child survived but was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Third Child Suffered Severe Injuries
A GoFundMe fundraiser established for the surviving 14-year-old described the extent of his injuries following the collision.
According to the fundraiser, the impact and the boy’s seat belt caused severe internal injuries. He reportedly underwent multiple surgeries and was placed on a ventilator for two days.
The fundraiser also stated that the driver did not have car insurance, meaning the injured boy’s family would face the medical expenses.
The young survivor’s condition underscored the severity of the crash, while investigators began examining what caused Neal’s SUV to leave the roadway and strike the parked construction equipment.
Police Say Father Admitted Meth and Marijuana Use
A criminal complaint reviewed by authorities stated that Neal’s vehicle struck the stationary Department of Highways equipment on a straight stretch of road.
Investigators reportedly learned that Neal had previously used methamphetamine. Field sobriety tests were not conducted at the scene because of the emotionally charged circumstances and Neal’s apparent head trauma, according to the complaint.
Neal allegedly told investigators that he had relapsed after almost five years of sobriety. He reportedly admitted to using methamphetamine and marijuana.
Authorities also said Neal claimed he had fallen asleep behind the wheel.
Troopers reportedly observed that he appeared disoriented and showed signs including sweating and body tremors.
Neal was taken to a regional hospital for medical treatment and to have his blood drawn. Authorities said his testing later came back positive for methamphetamine and THC.
Dad Allegedly Made Jokes After Learning Sons Died
The case took an especially disturbing turn after Neal was informed that his two sons had died.
According to authorities, Neal allegedly made jokes with an acquaintance about lacerations to his hands after learning about the deaths of James and Zayden.
The allegations are included as investigators build their case against the father, who was eventually arrested and booked into jail.
Neal is currently being held at the Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility on $1 million bond.
He faces two counts of child neglect resulting in death, along with two counts of DUI with deliberate disregard for the safety of others causing death, DUI causing serious bodily injury, and child neglect creating a risk of serious bodily injury or death.
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The charges remain allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system.
Brothers Remembered as Football-Loving Kids
Amid the criminal investigation, the joint obituary for James and Zayden remembered the brothers for their personalities and their shared love of football.
The boys were described as having “personalities larger than life.” They reportedly shared a passion for football and dreamed of one day becoming NFL players.
Their family remembered them as kind, loving and funny children, leaving relatives and their community to mourn the loss of two young lives.
What do you think about this tragic case? Share your thoughts and condolences for the two boys in the comments below.