Published: May 24, 2010
Conover - Days after a hit-and-run driver crashed into his mother's car, 2-year-old Hayden Edwards is still suffering the effects of a severe concussion, said his mom, 27-year-old Brandy Gunter.
Gunter's family heard from police the suspect in the hit-and-run turned himself in and was charged late Sunday.
Someone from the Conover Police Department was not available for comment.
Hayden is conscious, breathing on his own and out of the intensive care unit where he spent Friday and Saturday nights. But he can't eat, speak, sit up, walk or even lift his arms, Gunter said Sunday. Doctors tell her the child should regain those abilities, but it could take time. She said his progress is slower than doctors expected.
Hayden is in Wake Forest University's Baptist Medical Center. His mother expects him to make a full recovery, but for now she's thankful he's still alive.
Doctors told her if an EMS worker hadn't started CPR at the scene of the crash, Hayden would not have lived.
"Right now, I just want to hear him say Mommy," Gunter said.
She was behind the wheel of her 2003 Kia Spectra Friday around 6 p.m. when a 1986 Ford truck hit her car from behind. She doesn't think the truck's driver tried to stop. She never heard tires squealing.
Hayden was in a car seat, but doctors told Gunter the impact was so severe, it jarred his brain.
All Gunter saw was the truck was speeding away, headed south on Travis Road in Conover. The crash was at the intersection of Travis and Emmanuel Church roads, where Gunter was waiting to turn.
A witness followed the truck and told police its North Carolina license tag number was VVL-2630.
Gunter hopes the driver who left her son seriously injured will be punished. She worries the memory of the crash will permanently scar her children. She knows she will carry the scars forever.
"My child was laying here Friday night on a ventilator because of some person who was too scared to stop," she said. "I wouldn't be as upset if he had just stopped. Accidents happen. But it's unforgivable what he's done."
Gunter's boyfriend and her 5-year-old son Hunter Edwards also were in the car. Hunter's face was cut and the adults were banged up. They were treated and released from Catawba Valley Medical Center.
Gunter has one request for people concerned about Hayden: Pray.
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