Hailey Brooks' parents break silence, share memories of her publicly for first time since accident

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The family of Hailey Brooks who was hit and killed by a runaway truck during the Raleigh Christmas parade has spoken out for the first time.

The parents of the little girl said saying their priority has always been and continues to be Hailey's life and legacy.

"We went to the parade as a family of 5 as a tradition for our family. It was gonna be Hailey's first time dancing in the parade. We'd gone every year since her first birthday and we went home that day as a family of four. Her brother and sisters still ask us why they didn't get to tell her goodbye." said Trey Brooks, Hailey's father.

The Shine Like Hailey foundation has been set up in her honor.

"Hailey's foundation for her shine was geared around watching other people shine. She lived to give words of encouragement. She loved to give praise. She loved to give a big hug and that's how we will remember who she was," he added.

The man behind the wheel of the truck that veered into the path of the performer at the Raleigh Christmas Parade was given a $250,000 secured bond during a court hearing on Wednesday.

The judge in the case also ordered Landen Christopher Glass to get electronic monitoring and he will not be able to drive a vehicle that is not inspected in NC.

Glass was the driver of the CC and Co. dance float that lost control of his truck, causing dancers and parents to scramble.

He is now facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Glass is facing several other charges as well.

His next court appearance is set for April 10.

Previously, ABC11 found that Glass was charged numerous times for state law vehicle violations in Virginia. The violations date to February 2021. The charges include multiple failures to have a vehicle inspected and numerous window tint violations. His most recent ticket was in October for failure to inspect vehicle.

Those charges played a key role in Judge Keith Gregory's decision to issue a bond amount five times higher than the recommended guidelines.

"The state of North Carolina has a child whose life is lost. If there had been an inspection, if the emergency brake had been there, this may have been preventable. I don't know, it still may have happened," he said.

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