In May, our community was shaken by the death of a ten-year-old in a tragic car accident.

A man, later identified as Gunner Joseph Scarano, was driving a black truck and travelling north on Bailey Cove Road when he hit three vehicles and a motorcycle. No injuries were reported from this accident.

Scarano then continued to drive until he caused another accident at the Weatherly Road intersection. This accident involved four vehicles, injuring eight and killing ten-year-old Jaden Coppens.

“Witnesses told police the driver of the black truck was driving at a high rate of speed,” reported Al.com.

Scarano, who is eighteen years old, sustained serious injuries during the second wreck. He was trapped inside the truck as it caught fire.

Scarano and the others injured were transported to area hospitals.

Scarano and his father, Richard Scarano, have since been named in a personal injury suit filed by Amy Creech and Bailey Douglas, who were injured in the accident. WHNT News recently reported that the attorney representing the teen and his father filed documents “denying all claims of motor vehicle negligence.”

Police say that the results of Scarano’s blood samples, taken shortly after the accident, are pending.

Our thoughts are with those injured, and we wish them a quick recovery.  The Coppens family is also in our thoughts as they deal with this devastating loss. According to Al.com, a fund has been created to help the family cover medical and burial costs. Donations can be made to the Coppens Family Fund at any Redstone Federal Credit Union location.