Drunk Driver Kills Louisville Girl In Alabama Crash
An 8-year-old Louisville girl was killed in a three-car crash on U.S. 31 in Vinemont in Cullman County, Alabama.
The girl was identified as Hayley Ryan. Her parents, Rick and Julie, were injured in the wreck late Friday night and taken to Cullman Regional Medical Center.
Police are reporting that a car in which Hayley was a passenger had exited Interstate 65 and was on U.31 when it was struck by another vehicle, driven by 45 year-old Kenneth Burns, at County Road 1343. Another vehicle coming from behind also was involved in the crash.
Burns is being charged criminally with drunk driving, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and four counts of assault. The Ryan family will also be entitled to pursue civil claims for injuries and wrongful death against Burns.
Local news is reporting that Burns has a long history of driving drunk. The family deserves answers as to why he still had a license to drive (if he did) and why he didn't face harsher criminal punishment for his prior offenses. In other words - why was he still on the road?
Our prayers are with the Ryan family.
