Share and Follow
BRISTOL, Virginia. (WJHL) — A tragic accident claimed the life of a three-year-old in Bristol, Virginia, on Thursday morning when a farm tractor flipped over onto the child, according to the local police department.
The Bristol, Virginia, Police Department (BVPD) announced in a press release that the accident took place around 11:42 a.m. on the 100 block of Davis Alley.
Upon arrival, first responders found the unfortunate scene where the tractor had toppled onto a young boy, identified as three years old.
“Responders from various agencies collaborated to physically lift the tractor, enabling emergency medical personnel to reach the child and immediately commence life-saving efforts,” stated the BVPD.
The child was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.
An investigation disclosed that the child was reportedly seated on his 21-year-old father, Austin Tyler-Raymond Tester’s, lap while Tester operated the tractor at the time of the incident. The department said Tester left the scene and then delayed notifying emergency services.
Tester was found at his mother’s, Kelly M. Tester, 41, house a few hours later, and it was revealed that she was allegedly assisting in concealing him from law enforcement.
Austin Tester was arrested and charged with Felony Child Abuse and Neglect, as well as an outstanding Probation Violation stemming from a prior drug-related offense. Tester was transported to the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, where he is currently being held without bond.
Kelly Tester was arrested and charged with Obstruction of Justice. She was transported to the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority and later released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.