Henry County, VA – The community is mourning the devastating loss of 11-year-old Keontae Hilderbrand and 45-year-old Misty Holland, who were killed in a crash caused by an impaired driver in Henry County.
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Authorities say 60-year-old Charles Boulding of Eden, North Carolina, was driving under the influence of drugs when he crossed the center lane and struck a 2009 Nissan Quest. The collision killed Keontae and Holland, a mother of three, and left two others injured. Boulding was also hospitalized and now faces DUI charges as the investigation continues.
Keontae, a sixth grader at Reidsville Middle School, was remembered as a bright student and young leader in his community. His family is heartbroken over the senseless loss. “If he [Boulding] wasn’t on the road, my grandson would’ve been with us today,” said Pamela Neal, Keontae’s grandmother.
His father, Timothy Hilderbrand, urged drivers to recognize the devastating consequences of impaired driving: “Think about the life you can take from someone who loves them.”
Keontae had attended River Fest in Eden every year since age six and was either going to or coming from the event when the crash occurred. To honor his memory, family and friends will hold a balloon release at Reidsville Middle School on Saturday at 2 p.m.
The tragedy has renewed calls for greater awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, as the Henry County community rallies around the grieving families.