Family remembers child killed in suspected drunk driving crash one year ago

CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) – June 14 marks a somber anniversary for the family of Thomas Reed. A year ago, 2-year-old Thomas was killed in a car accident.

Officials say Nathon Miller was driving under the influence on a learner's permit when he wrecked his vehicle on U.S. 60.

Miller was driving his girlfriend's son, Thomas, who was sitting in the back of the vehicle and died of trauma at the hospital.

Standing in Thomas's plot at Clairmont Cemetery, Thomas' grandparents, Steve and Cindy, remember that tragic night.

“You know…I went to hold his hand and his hand was limp…and he couldn't talk to you or say anything,” Cindy said. “There was nothing to do,” Steve finished.

The grandparents said these are the milestones that have been the hardest days to overcome since Thomas' death. As they watch other children grow up, Thomas remains a toddler forever.

“You wake up thinking about him, you go to bed thinking about him, during the day you think about him, and you know… there are videos that we watch on our phones and they're stupid little things that he would do, and it's like 'Why? Why can't he still be here?' “, said Cindy. “I know he’s in a better place, way better than us, but it’s not fair.”

With Thomas' alleged killer behind bars, charged with murder, the family can't imagine the conclusion.

“There is no peace right now,” Steve said.

For now, they keep the memory of Thomas, a loving little boy who was crazy about trucks.

“He was the sweetest, sweetest little boy,” Cindy said. “Yes, he was,” Steve echoed.

The Richardsons are pleading with the public not to drive drunk and vowing to continue attending Miller's trials until justice is served.

Miller is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center on $250,000 cash bail. His pretrial conference is set for June 27.