Dad delivers final emotional words before driver sentenced in daughter's death at Raleigh parade
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Nearly three years after 11-year-old dancer Hailey Brooks was hit and killed in the 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade, the driver is headed to prison.
Landen Glass was driving the truck that hit Hailey. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter after police said he lost control of his truck when his brakes failed while he was pulling a float. He hit Hailey, who was a dancer with CC & Co. Dance Complex. She later died from her injuries.
Friday, Glass pleaded guilty to three charges related to the deadly accident: felony obstruction of justice, misdemeanor death by vehicle and dangerous weapon at a parade.
Monday, he was officially sentenced to a total of 262 days of incarceration and must serve 400 hours of community service at a non-profit when he is released. For the felony charge specifically, he received a sentence of eight to 19 months suspended for 36 months of supervised probation.
Hailey's father offered the final impact statement of the hearing.
"She was a gift, a tangible gift given to us by our Heavenly Father," said Trey Brooks, Hailey's father.
Brooks spoke for half an hour and before speaking, he asked for two videos of Hailey's dance performances to be shown.
"She was brilliant, eager to learn and an extremely hard worker. She loved dance and was exceptional at it," said Brooks.
Sitting next to his wife, April, who delivered her victim impact statement on Friday, Trey recalled Hailey's birth.
"Hailey was born just after lunch in the operating room of WakeMed. I still remember seeing her first time. Formed in the Lord's image, she was perfect," said Brooks.
Brooks discussed Glass's history of driving violations, including in the lead-up to the parade.
"Instead of exercising additional caution you chose to drive your truck. A truck in which you had just received a citation for not having a proper safety inspection," said Brooks.
The Brooks family has supported enhanced safety protections at parades.
"You drove it behind a bunch of unsuspecting and unprotected kids and teens who trusted you and whose parents trusted you. I do not believe you intentionally took Hailey's life that day, but I do believe you selfishly disobeyed the law, and Hailey's life and liberty were taken from her as a result," said Brooks.
Glass read a written statement before his sentencing.
"I would like to start by saying from the bottom of my heart how terribly sorry I am to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks and the rest of your family. I know that there are no words I can say to ever truly tell you how sorry I am. I never had any intentions to hurt anyone, and if I would have known there was even a 1% chance that something was going to happen, I never would have showed up that day. I want you to know that I do take responsibility for my actions, and I'm sorry for all the pain and service that I have caused you and your family. If there was anything, if there is anything in this world that I could do to help make it better, I would. If there is any way I can go back and change things, I would do it. I cannot imagine how hard this has been on you and your family from the moment this has happened. I've always asked why, and I realize I don't think I'll ever know," said Glass.
How do you go to a parade as a family of five and come back as a family of four?April Brooks, Hailey's Mom
Powerful Impact Statements
Hailey Brooks' family and friends of the family were in court during the hearing. They all shared what the loss has been like over the past three years.
"I miss you and I love you so much. I say good morning when I wake up and I tell you to have a good day in heaven," said Dixie Frazier, Hailey's grandmother.
The ABC11 I-Team discovered that prior to the 2022 deadly parade accident, Glass had faced charges for state law vehicle violations in Virginia, including multiple failures to have a vehicle inspected.
"Hailey was killed through ignorance, negligence, and arrogance," said David Frazier, Hailey's grandfather.
"How did you think it was a good idea to have that truck on the road? Let alone around innocent children," said April Brooks, Hailey's mother, who described having to deliver the victim impact statement as "one of the hardest things I've ever had to do."
During victim impact statements, a slideshow of pictures of Hailey was displayed, with Brooks specifically pointing out one picture.
"That is the last picture I have of Hailey. Look how happy she was. Look at the joy and pure innocence on her face. She had no idea what was coming," said Brooks.
Many in the courtroom wore "Shine Like Hailey" t-shirts in her honor. Brooks warmly recalled Hailey's kindness, intellect, and love of church.
"Anybody who had the pleasure of meeting her instantly felt better," said Brooks.
She recounted the challenges the family still faces in processing the tragedy.
"How do you go to a parade as a family of five and come back as a family of four?" Brooks said.
One more victim impact statement will be delivered on Monday, Nov. 17, as well as a response from Glass's defense team.
Your story isn't finishedDixie Frazier
"I was so proud and still am of all the things Hailey accomplished in her life," said Brooks.
"I love you, Hailey Kaye. Your story isn't finished," Dixie Frazier said.
Glass's attorney said in September that a possible plea deal was in the works.
The family dropped their civil lawsuit against Glass in 2024.
Shine Like Hailey
Hailey Brooks' parents, Trey and April Brooks, continue to advocate for tougher restrictions and inspections for vehicles in parades. Although the bill failed to become law, they're still pushing lawmakers to consider the bill and pass it.
They say their priority has always been and continues to be Hailey's life and legacy. In 2023, they started the Shine Like Hailey foundation in her honor.
Trey and April opened up during an interview with ABC11's Steve Daniels a year after Hailey died. They said their deep faith helps them cope.
"We're still broken and we get up and we fight each day," Trey said. "We have strength from our Lord above and through the people in the community and our friends who've stayed by our side."
SEE ALSO | Granville County town hopes to be a model for holiday parade safety
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