Man Charged In Fatal Wrong-Way Crash Near MSP Airport
MINNEAPOLIS (WCO) -- New charges reveal a Twin Cities man concealed a history of seizures. He was involved in a wrong-way crash, killing three people in one family last December.
Patrick Hayes, 35, faces five counts of criminal vehicular homicide.
On Dec. 2, 2016, he drove the wrong way on Highway 5 near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Three people, including a toddler, died from the crash.
On Wednesday, WCCO's Kate Raddatz spoke to the attorney of the survivors about life after the accident.
This was all that was left of the victims' Jeep Grand Cherokee involved in the fatal accident on Dec. 2, 2016. Payton Bailey, 2, his 24-year-old mother Dylan Bailey and grandmother Dawn Chiodo, all died.
The group had just picked up Olivia Nord from the airport, and were on their way to celebrate her graduation from Marine boot camp.
"They're going to be living with the effects of Mr. Hayes' decision for the rest of their lives," Attorney Greg Walsh said.
Greg Walsh represents Olivia and her mother, Jennifer Nord. Both survived the crash, but Olivia's injuries are more severe.
"Her goal was to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps and unfortunately that will never happen for her. She's still at the VA, still recovering from her injuries," Walsh said.
New court documents show the driver who caused the accident, Patrick Hayes, had "a history of epileptic seizures" and required medication. But court documents reveal he didn't disclose a medical condition that could impair his driving on his license application.
The criminal complaint also says Hayes was given medication after the crash as he was observed having a seizure.
"Mr. Hayes didn't take care of his medical emergency the way he should have and unfortunately two families have been significantly damaged because of his actions," Walsh said.
Hayes has a history of serious car accidents. Last August, he caused a crash that involved 11 vehicles. And in 2015, he ran from police officers after crashing into a vehicle and rolling his own.
Hayes faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
