LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) –The 4-year-old hurt in an alleged DUI crash has died from his injuries, according to a statement on behalf of the family.
The University of Kentucky released the statement on behalf of the Shemwell family Monday evening. It said that 4-year-old Marco Lee Shemwell died Monday afternoon at UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
The family is asking for privacy at this time.
Police say 18-year-old Jacob Heil was arrested for driving under the influence on Saturday after he allegedly hit the 4-year-old who was waiting to cross the street with his dad on Cooper Drive during the UK Football game. It happened just after 2 p.m.
The child was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Chantel and I, along with the Kentucky football family, are in grief for the Shemwells, their family and friends. It is hard to put into words the hurt we feel in our hearts, and our prayers and deepest condolences are with the Shemwell family and all affected by this tragedy.
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) September 18, 2018
The national office of Alpa Tau Omega released a statement saying that Heil was a pledge to the fraternity chapter but has been suspended. Heil is a freshman at UK.
Heil has been charged with DUI.
Lexington Police say that the investigation is ongoing. If you witnessed the crash you are asked to call Lexington Police.
On Tuesday, Mothers Against Drunk Driving released a statement on the incident: “MADD Kentucky is saddened by the death 4-year-old of Marco Lee Shemwell. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and the community of Lexington. MADD Kentucky is a network of volunteers and advocates who are mourning with you. MADD Kentucky will continue our commitment to eliminating the violent, 100 percent preventable crime of drunk driving that claims the lives of more than 10,000 people every year. MADD KY provides free advocacy and support to those impacted by impaired driving. Please call 502-871-4210 to speak to an advocate.”
Our hearts are broken for the Shemwell family. We ask our fans to join us in supporting them through unimaginable tragedy while respecting their privacy. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Marco's family and all those whose lives he touched. We pray for peace for them.
— Mitch Barnhart (@UKMitchBarnhart) September 18, 2018
If you would like to donate to the Shemwell family, a GoFundMe has been established for them. You can donate here.
