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Community supports family after toddler, baby killed in crash

By Trish Williford
By Trish Williford

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Strangers have raised more than $100,000 for a worship leader and his family after a deadly crash near Wilmington.

Gentry Eddings' toddler died and his pregnant wife, Hadley, had to have an emergency C-section Saturday.

The baby later died at the hospital.

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The worship leader from Forest Hill Church in Ballantyne was returning from his sister's wedding. Officials said a box truck, driven by Matthew Deans, slammed into the back of Hadley's car, which was stopped at a red light.

Channel 9 spoke with a state trooper who was among the first to arrive on the scene after the crash.

"This is a terrible accident for me to think about," Trooper Richard Hendrickson said. "I'm a daddy myself and I just can't wrap my head around it."

Officials said Deans told them he had just stopped and picked up lunch right before the accident happened.

"He was driving down the road eating and he saw that traffic was stopped," Hendrickson said. "And he tried to stop his truck and it just wouldn't stop."

Two small roses were placed on the lawn of Forest Hill Church to remember the lives of the children.
                
A GoFundMe account is raising money for the family's medical expenses.

Church members said the pastor dedicated Sunday’s service to the family.

“He spoke from his heart, he says sometimes we can't explain these things that happen but we have to rely on our faith to see us,” church member Peri Yager said.

The driver of the 18-wheeler is charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle.

Officials will meet with the District Attorney's Office to determine if more charges will be filed.

Church members have set up a Facebook prayer page. Leave your condolences here.

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