Oskaloosa, Iowa – A jury was presented with body camera footage from a Keokuk County Sheriff’s deputy on Thursday, following a hayride accident that resulted in injuries to 13 children. The incident occurred on October 14, 2023, when a truck pulling a trailer crashed near What Cheer, leading to multiple injuries among those on board.
David Heady, a passenger in the truck, is facing 13 counts of child endangerment due to his role in the incident. Testimony revealed that Heady had been drinking on the day of the crash and had open alcohol containers in the vehicle at the time. During an interview with law enforcement, Heady mentioned that the truck was traveling at over 25 miles per hour before the collision.
The harrowing experience was detailed by a mother, Stacey Kelly, who recounted the moments following the crash as she searched for her son. She described finding numerous children, including her son, scattered in a ditch filled with hay, unable to move.
Previously, Daniel Brubaker, the driver of the pickup truck during the hayride, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of child endangerment. His sentencing is scheduled for September 4.
In total, 29 children were thrown from the trailer when the crash occurred, with at least three requiring hospitalization following the event. The legal consequences for Heady, if found guilty, could include decades behind bars, underlining the gravity of the situation and the serious implications for all those involved.
The investigation into the incident continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of the crash, which has raised questions about safety regulations surrounding such attractions. Public and legal scrutiny may lead to reforms in how hayrides operate, ensuring better protection for participants in the future.
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