A crash in West Omaha that initially left four people injured, including two young children, has taken a tragic turn. Police have confirmed that a 10-year-old boy died from his injuries, while a 5-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition.
According to KETV NewsWatch 7, the crash happened Thursday evening at 114th and Center, near the I-680 south on-ramp, when a driver identified as 28-year-old Tanner Hunt collided with a Chevy Malibu carrying the two children. The impact was severe enough to split the Malibu’s Subaru in half, and witnesses say it caught fire shortly afterward.
The scene drew a massive emergency response, with over ten police cars, multiple fire engines, and ambulances on site, and the intersection was shut down for hours while crews worked.
Hunt was arrested at the scene on two counts of DUI causing serious injury, along with refusing a DUI test, driving under revocation, and having no proof of insurance. He was booked into jail before the 10-year-old passed away from his injuries. Both adult drivers involved were also taken to the hospital, one in critical condition.
What’s drawing extra attention now is something KETV Investigates uncovered in court records: this wasn’t Hunt’s first DUI. Back in April, he was arrested on a separate misdemeanor DUI charge in Sarpy County, and the details from that earlier stop are hard to ignore.
How the Crash Unfolded
Lieutenant Danny Flynn with Omaha Police said the driver was attempting to turn when the collision occurred in the intersection. Early witness statements pointed to the possibility of speeding as a factor, and Flynn noted that both children in the Subaru were properly restrained at the time of the crash.
That detail matters. No amount of safety equipment can undo a crash of this severity, but it’s a reminder that car seats and seatbelts are doing exactly what they’re designed to do, even when the outcome is still devastating.
The Prior DUI Arrest in Sarpy County
According to the April arrest affidavit, an officer pulled Hunt over in a black Jeep Wrangler after clocking him at 73 miles per hour in a 55 zone. The officer reported bloodshot, watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol in the vehicle.
Hunt denied drinking or using drugs but admitted to taking a Xanax earlier that night. He showed signs of impairment during field sobriety testing, initially refused a preliminary breath test, then blew a 0.126, well above the legal limit.
He was arrested and later declined to provide a second breath sample once at the jail. That case is still pending in court.
Where the Investigation Stands
Omaha Police are now working with the county attorney’s office as they build the case tied to Thursday’s crash. The intersection has since reopened, but the investigation into exactly what led up to the collision is ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the family during an incredibly difficult time, and we’ll continue to update this story as more information becomes available.