Case continued for truck driver in fatal Raleigh Christmas Parade accident

The driver in the Raleigh Christmas Parade incident that led to an 11-year-old girl’s death appeared in administrative court Thursday morning, where his case was continued to March 29.

Landen Glass, 20, dressed in all black, sat alone in Judge April MacBride’s courtroom.

Glass was driving a pickup truck in the Nov. 19 parade and towing a float on Hillsborough Street when his vehicle lost control.

Spectators said Glass honked his horn and shouted for people to get out of the way, while parade-goers rushed to stop the truck.

The truck struck Hailey Kaye Brooks, who was dancing with the CC & Company Dance Complex near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Boylan Avenue.

First responders took Hailey to the hospital where she died.

Glass, of Goode, Va., was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, careless and reckless driving, improper equipment, unsafe movement and carrying a firearm in a parade.

Documents obtained by The News & Observer showed that Glass had previously been issued multiple citations for his vehicle, including failure to have it inspected.

Soon after, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman confirmed that Glass had been released on a $4,000 bail bond.

If convicted on all charges, Glass could face a maximum sentence of one year in jail, a 30-day suspension of his driver’s license, up to a $750 fine and a lasting mark on his driving record.

According to arrest warrants, Glass said he works on car safety systems at a mechanic shop.

Foundation to be established

Hailey’s parents, Trey and April Brooks, released a statement Nov. 22.

“Hailey’s tragic death has left our family heartbroken and in shock. She had a kind and humble heart that was always focused on caring for the needs of those around her. Even in her final hours, Hailey showed her loving and giving spirit to the younger children who were with her in the parade.”

A GoFundMe has raised over $103,600 to support Hailey’s family and establish a nonprofit in her name, which her family says will help the community. He said details of the foundation are still being formulated.

“She was a friend to many, but she yearned to help anyone in any way she could,” Trey Brooks wrote on the GoFundMe page Jan. 19. “She loved to share words of encouragement and found the way to offer them at precisely the right time.

“Hailey was destined to make a huge impact on this world,” Brooks wrote. “As her parents we refuse to let Hailey’s name and legacy end on that day.”

This story was originally published January 26, 2023 at 5:45 AM.