Brothers, ages 5 and 10, killed following crash with suspected DUI driver that split car in half

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) - Two young brothers have lost their lives following a crash that authorities say was caused by a drunken driver.

Omaha authorities said the collision happened on July 9 when a vehicle being driven by 28-year-old Tanner Hunt hit another car that was carrying the children and two adults.

The 5- and 10-year-old brothers were in the back seat of the vehicle that was struck by Hunt. They were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, but they ultimately died in the days following the crash.

Officers said Hunt was arrested at the scene for suspected impairment.

His initial charges included two counts of driving under the influence, refusing a DUI test, driving while revoked and having no proof of insurance.

Hunt’s charges were then upgraded to include motor vehicle homicide and DUI following the death of the children.

According to court documents, Hunt was driving at excessive speeds and weaving through traffic before the crash. Investigators said that his vehicle was found to be traveling at 98 mph a second prior to the collision, with the force splitting one of the vehicles in half.

Police said Hunt’s blood alcohol content was measured at .095 while at the hospital. Officers noted that he also admitted to them that he took Adderall earlier in the day.

Additionally, authorities said the 28-year-old was out on bond for another DUI charge stemming from an April 3 arrest in Bellevue.

Hunt’s bond has been set at $10 million in connection with the crash. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 17.

If Hunt bonds out this time, authorities said he will be required to comply with GPS monitoring and 24/7 sobriety programming.