A Virginia father faces charges after delaying a call to emergency services for 22 minutes following a tragic tractor accident that claimed the life of his 3-year-old son.
The Bristol Virginia Police Department revealed on Friday that 21-year-old Austin Tyler-Raymond Tester has been charged with Felony Homicide related to the heartbreaking incident involving a tractor on April 23.
Authorities reported that instead of immediately contacting 911, Tester first reached out to his mother, Kelly M. Tester, 41. She now also faces charges of Felony Child Abuse, Neglect, and Felony Homicide.
Investigations uncovered that the delay in calling 911 resulted in a total wait time of about 31 minutes before first responders reached the accident site.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered an overturned John Deere 5200 tractor at the bottom of an embankment, tragically trapping the young boy beneath it.
The John Deere 5200 tractor, depending on its specific model, typically weighs between 4,250 and 5,630 pounds.
Officials were able to lift the tractor, freeing the boy and then began performing life-saving measures.
He was transported to a local hospital before he was pronounced dead at 12.35pm.
After a tractor turned over, a 3-year-old boy died from asphyxiation on April 23, according to preliminary findings from the Office of the Medical Examiner
Tyler-Raymond Tester, 21, the boy’s father, allegedly did not call 911 for 22 minutes which officials said significantly impacted the ability to provide timely life-saving measures
The little boy’s cause of death was due to asphyxiation, according to preliminary findings from the Office of the Medical Examiner.
‘Investigators have determined that the delay in contacting emergency services significantly impacted the ability to provide timely life-saving measures,’ BVPD wrote in their statement.
Officials said that during the incident, Tester left the scene after his mother arrived and was found hiding inside a property she owned on Fairmount Avenue.
The father allegedly told authorities he was avoiding law enforcement because of an outstanding warrant.
His mother was also accused of providing false information to officers and assisting in concealing her son, according to the press release.
She was arrested on Friday and was hit with an Obstruction of Justice charge as well.
Kelly, 41, the mother of Tester, was arrested on Friday and was hit with an Obstruction of Justice charge for allegedly giving officers false information and hiding her son in her home
Tester is being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority without bond, while his mother is booked at the Abingdon Facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority without bond as well. They were both charged with Felony Child Abuse and Neglect and Felony Homicide
‘This is a heartbreaking and tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time,’ stated Chief D. Byron Ashbrook.
‘This investigation revealed a significant delay in contacting emergency services, which is deeply concerning. Incidents like this also affect the first responders who are called to act quickly in critical situations.’
‘We want to thank the Bristol, Virginia, Fire Department and the Bristol Life Saving Crew for their quick response and efforts on scene. We remain committed to a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.’
Tester is being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority without bond, while his mother is booked at the Abingdon Facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority without bond as well.
Officials noted that the case remains an active investigation.
