A 10-year-old Ohio boy passed away on Sunday, following a fiery car crash in August that left him critically injured while his father fled the scene.
WCPO reports that the little boy, Ariyonte “Tay-Tay” Grace Holloway, passed away at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital after his father, Adriel Holloway, 27, crashed his vehicle in Walnut Hills while his son was riding passenger on August 1. Reportedly, Holloway fled the scene because he was driving under the influence.
According to the police report, Holloway plowed into a tree close to Lincoln Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Witnesses told authorities that Holloway walked away from the scene, leaving Ariyonte behind with critical injuries. Police claimed that Holloway was “high and speeding” when the crash occurred.
“He [Ariyonte] was in the passenger seat,” witness Danny Dickson said. “No seatbelt on. Just laying there, not making a noise. He wasn’t breathing.”
Dickson and other witnesses followed Holloway as he walked away from the accident. Dickson drove his car as he followed the victim. He blocked Holloway in a high-traffic area and called 911.
“As a human being, you can’t just stand here when something like that is happening and not try to help to make sure someone is okay,” Dickson told WCPO.
The victim’s mother, Brianna Smith, said she held onto hope that her son would pull through.
“I can’t even explain it. It’s been real tough. It’s been tough… I was trying to hold on for as long as I can.”
Smith and her family now rely on photos to keep her son’s memory alive. She said “Tay-Tay” was a smart, energetic, and loving boy who always smiled and brightened people’s days.
“He was always energetic. He always kept that smile. He loved his brothers and sisters. The memories will keep us going, because he was so bright — even though we only had 10 years. He was a joy. Tay is unexplainable.”
Charges are currently pending against Holloway, according to FOX 19. Last month, Lt. Brian Norris, commander of the Cincinnati Police Traffic Unit, said that at minimum, Holloway will face charges of aggravated vehicular assault and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Authorities will likely upgrade the charges given that the boy passed away.
Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
[Feature Photo: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office/Handout]
