Boy, 10, loses mum and three siblings in horror crash as tributes paid

Garrett Cole Nix, 35, has been charged with four counts of manslaughter over the fatal collision that killed Ashley Hagood and three of her children in Moulton, Alabama, in April

A motorist accused of causing the fatal collision that killed a mum and three of her children has turned himself in nearly three months later. Garrett Cole Nix, 35, gave himself up to police after a grand jury hit him with four counts of manslaughter over the smash that took the lives of Ashley Hagood and three of her youngsters.

He also faces charges of first-degree assault, drink-driving, speeding, jumping a red light and not wearing a seatbelt, court documents reveal. Nix subsequently made bail and was freed awaiting additional court hearings, NeedToKnow reported.

Prosecutors claim Nix sped through a red traffic light before ploughing into the family’s car. The April crash killed Ashley, her seven year old twin daughters, Bryleigh and Brynleigh Pledger, and her 13 year old son, Bryant Ballew.

Ashley’s 10 year old son survived the smash despite sustaining severe injuries and has now been discharged from hospital.

Nix’s legal representative has rejected claims that his client was under the influence, maintaining the deadly crash was “a horrible, awful tragedy” but “an accident” that shouldn’t lead to manslaughter convictions.

The deaths shattered the local community, with family and friends recalling Ashley as a dedicated mum who devoted her entire life to her children. In a heartfelt obituary, she was portrayed as a devoted mother tenderly nicknamed “Wonder Woman” by her loved ones due to her steadfast commitment to her family.

Her eldest son Bryant was recalled as a “kind and tender-hearted” teenager who adored the great outdoors, angling and quad bikes, and had been eagerly anticipating purchasing and modifying his first truck.

The inseparable seven year old twins, Bryleigh and Brynleigh, were characterised as “beautiful little girls” whose contagious grins brightened every space.

Relatives said the sisters shared an unshakeable connection and spread happiness wherever they ventured.

In one moving social media message posted prior to the tragedy, Ashley penned to her daughters: “No matter how old y’all might be, both of you will always be my little girls.”

According to investigators, Ashley had the right of way when her vehicle was struck at an intersection in Moulton, Alabama, on 11 April.

The case remains ongoing.