4-year-old killed in Morganton crash wasn't properly restrained, officials say

MORGANTON, N.C. — A 4-year-old was not properly restrained in his child safety seat when he died in a crash in Morganton, officials told our partners at the Morganton Herald.

Police said Peggy Belcher failed to yield on Collett Street and crashed into an SUV. The SUV flipped two and a half times and Brayden Dennis was ejected and died in the crash.

This week, Belcher is expected to find out if she will face charges.

Dozens of family members, friends and community members held a vigil on Dec. 16 to remember Dennis.

Family members told Channel 9 that Brayden had a heart of gold.

Brayden died earlier this week when the SUV he was riding in with his family crashed and flipped on Collett Street. His parents and three other children survived.

[READ: 4-year-old dies after being partially ejected in Morganton crash]

Brayden’s grandfather, Greg Flanders, said the family is overwhelmed by the support from the community.

“He's just a strong, loving child and we're going to miss him. He was gone too soon," Flanders said.

Police said they are still investigating the accident.