by The heartbreaking accident occurred on the afternoon of April 25 when Dalton was biking home from school. Hunter reportedly hit Dalton at an intersection and continued driving with the child trapped beneath his vehicle. Despite witnesses attempting to alert Hunter, he allegedly sped away before later realizing and finally stopping to move the bicycle from the street.
The Details Behind the Fatal Incident
According to court records and police reports obtained by KUTV and Law&Crime, the accident occurred when Hunter turned into an intersection and struck Dalton’s bicycle.
- Dalton was dragged approximately 50 feet under the white pickup truck.
- Witnesses desperately tried to flag Hunter down but were unsuccessful.
- Hunter initially claimed he saw a bicycle but did not realize a child was involved.
- Hunter later stopped to remove the bike only after hearing screeching sounds and seeing the bike in his rearview mirror.
Law enforcement officers overheard Hunter say,
“I knew I hit a bicycle, but I didn’t think there was a kid on it.”
Pleasant Grove Police Captain Britt Smith commented on Hunter’s condition, noting,
“He is somebody’s father, somebody’s grandparent, who has diminished faculties and is operating a vehicle on the roadway.”
Despite his advanced age, Hunter held a valid driver’s license at the time of the accident.
Community Response and Family Forgiveness
Dalton’s parents, Tyler and Kim Gibbs, have publicly expressed their forgiveness toward Hunter, emphasizing that he did not intend to cause harm. They told KSL that while the charges have been filed, they do not support severe punishment:
This tragedy has changed our lives, his included. We know that he is deeply remorseful. We don’t desire that he or his family should endure additional punishment beyond what they’ve already experienced. We do not believe that incarceration or similar severe measures will provide the good that is needed. We believe there are other options that can be explored to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the driver’s family.
The Gibbs family made their stance clear, stressing that they were not the ones pressing charges and that their focus remains on healing for all parties involved.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
George Parker Hunter now faces:
- Second-degree felony manslaughter
- Third-degree felony leaving the scene of an accident involving death
These charges reflect the serious nature of the incident and its tragic outcome. Hunter has not appeared on the Utah County inmate roster recently, indicating possible ongoing legal proceedings.
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What This Incident Means for Road Safety and Elderly Drivers
This case spotlights the delicate balance between elderly independence and public safety on the roads. As Captain Smith indicated, there may be concerns surrounding diminished faculties in older drivers. The tragedy calls for conversations around:
- Periodic driving competency evaluations for senior citizens
- Increased awareness and preventive measures at busy intersections near schools
- Community efforts to protect vulnerable road users such as children
Ultimately, this heartbreaking event is a somber reminder of the critical importance of caution and attentiveness while driving, especially in areas where children commute.
