A Mennonite community in Delano, Tennessee, is grieving after a 13-year-old girl died after getting hit by a van Tuesday.
Police report the driver, Jason Shelton, was drunk and speeding when the accident occurred, according to News Channel 9.
Daniel Wanner and his daughter, Gloria Wanner, were hauling corn in a horse-drawn carriage when they were hit by the van.
Shelton continued driving after the incident until his car died, police said.
He then walked into a nearby wooded area and was found hours later, still intoxicated, police said.
"Deputies from Polk County and (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) took him to a local hospital where he was treated and released. At which time we took him into custody and took him to jail," said Lt. John Harmon.
Gloria Wanner was flown to a hospital but died Wednesday, as confirmed by Harmon.
Her father was not injured.
A member of the community adds that Shelton was a schoolteacher. Gloria was a student in his class.
Currently, Shelton is in the Polk County Detention Center on $15,000 bond, with the potential for the price to increase since the victim has died.
More charges are pending.
About the Author
