A BOY has died in a horrific crash after his allegedly drunk grandfather flipped an off-road vehicle.
Abel Sims, 12, was pronounced dead at the scene as cops arrested Michael Hager, 51, who was allegedly slurring his words and smelling of alcohol.
Ambulances and police raced to the scene of the crash in Barboursville, West Virginia just after 5.50pm on Wednesday.
The young boy was in the passenger seat when his grandfather allegedly upended the off-roader on Cyrus Creek Road.
Hager was charged with a DUI causing death, PEOPLE reports.
He was booked into the Western Regional Jail on $50,000 bond.
The suspect allegedly became uncooperative during his arrest and was placed in the back of a police cruiser, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WSAZ.
It alleges authorities could smell an alcoholic beverage on Hager, who was said to be slurring his words at the scene.
Hager also allegedly almost fell backward down a hill.
The grandad was said to have showed other signs of impartment including “droopy face, droopy eyelids, a flushed face, glassy eyes, a blank stare and dilated pupils.”
He is reportedly due in court for a preliminary hearing on Friday, according to court records.
Abel’s unexpected death has shaken the Barboursville community.
School principal Kerri Brown called the boy a “great” student, adding that the loss will be felt by his friends, teachers, staff, and the community at large.
The principal said her student was a “wonderful young man who was always happy, making his friends laugh, and putting others before himself.
She continued: “We are all blessed to have known him, and our hearts are broken by his loss.
“Abel will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
On Friday, students and teachers reportedly wore green to honour him as it was his favourite colour.
A GoFundMe created by his aunt to raise money for the family said: “I have no words to describe the pain I’m witnessing my family go through right now.
“This is something no family should ever have to prepare for. If you knew Abel, you loved Abel.
“He was the best big brother.
“He was the best boy, and none of this feels real, but somehow it is, and money is the last thing I want on my sister’s mind.”
The investigation into his tragic death remains ongoing.
