PLEASANT GROVE, Utah — A tragic incident in Pleasant Grove has left a community in mourning after a nine-year-old boy was hit and killed by an elderly driver. Dalton Gibbs, identified by family and friends as a kind, intelligent, and loving child, was struck while riding his bike in a crosswalk on 2600 North. The driver, behind the wheel of a four-door Chevy pickup, was turning right from 900 West when the collision occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the crash have raised questions about the driver’s awareness of the incident. Captain Britt Smith of the Pleasant Grove Police Department emphasized the importance of understanding whether the driver knowingly left the scene or if he was unaware of what had happened. “Did he intentionally leave the scene of an accident that he knew he had been involved in? Or, did he just obliviously carry on?” Smith asked, acknowledging that these are very different scenarios, one of which could lead to criminal charges while the other might not.
As of now, the police have not released the identity of the driver, as no charges have been filed. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working closely with the Utah County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. “Once he’s charged criminally, his name will be part of public record,” Smith explained. “Until then, there is a chance he might not ever be charged.”
The driver, who has not been named, is described as an elderly man, and while his faculties are reportedly diminished, Smith noted that it is important to consider the possibility of impaired driving in such cases. The community has expressed both sympathy for the elderly driver and frustration over the event, underscoring the complex emotions that accompany such a tragedy.
Dalton’s death has deeply affected those who knew him, as well as the broader Pleasant Grove community. Family friend Maren Ingles described Dalton as a “shining light” who was known for his intelligence, humor, and kindness. “He was always very advanced, very, very smart. Very kind, funny, loving, spiritual. Just a really, really good kid,” Ingles recalled, reflecting on the loss.
In the wake of the tragedy, residents of the neighborhood have come together to mourn Dalton’s death and show support for his grieving family. Local community members, including Charise Reimschiissel, have placed flowers, balloons, and blue ribbons in the area where the accident occurred, creating a memorial to honor the young boy. “Our whole neighborhood and ward has just been really reeling from the loss of Dalton,” said Ingles. “When we found out yesterday, it was just shock, and we’ve all just kind of been trying to group together and do what we can to support their family.”
The memorial has become a symbol of the community’s grief and solidarity, but it has also highlighted concerns about road safety. The area where the crash took place had recently undergone road widening, and residents have voiced concerns about speeding vehicles and the lack of safety measures. Many are calling for the addition of stop signs, flashing signals, or other traffic calming devices to prevent future accidents. Reimschiissel, a concerned parent, emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s safety. “A child’s life is probably more important than any of those excuses that they could give,” she said, referring to the city’s reluctance to implement more traffic measures.
While the city has yet to respond to inquiries about possible new safety measures, Captain Smith acknowledged the broader issue of elderly drivers and diminished driving abilities. He encouraged families to have open conversations about whether an elderly loved one is fit to drive. “If you or a loved one is at a diminished capacity, and you are questioning your driving ability or a loved one’s ability to skillfully operate a motor vehicle, we need to have that conversation,” Smith stated, recognizing the importance of addressing this issue to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues and the community grieves, all eyes remain on whether the elderly driver will face charges, and whether the city will take action to improve road safety in light of this tragedy. While the outcome of the investigation is still pending, one thing is certain: the loss of Dalton Gibbs has left an indelible mark on Pleasant Grove, where his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.