A tragic car crash in Indiana has led to the death of 6-year-old James Doniven Hodges. The crash occurred when Khristal Grant, a 43-year-old woman, rear-ended the vehicle carrying James and his grandparents. Grant was reportedly high on methamphetamine and doing her makeup while driving, according to police. The accident, which took place on November 9, 2024, resulted in the death of the young boy and several others being injured.
The Fatal Crash and Its Aftermath
James Hodges, who was preparing to celebrate his seventh birthday later that month, was riding with his grandparents in a Ford Explorer when the crash occurred. The Explorer was waiting to make a left turn when Grant’s Chevy Tahoe collided with it at about 68 mph. The force of the crash pushed the Explorer into oncoming traffic, causing a collision with another car. Unfortunately, James was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported that Grant’s driving appeared erratic before the crash. One witness claimed to have seen Grant passing them while she was doing her makeup, looking into the mirror rather than focusing on the road. These actions, combined with the high speed and lack of braking, suggest that Grant was distracted at the time of the collision.
Investigation and Charges
Following the crash, Grant was questioned by the police, where she admitted to using methamphetamine and marijuana in the days leading up to the incident. A blood test confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in her system. Grant, who was not on her phone at the time of the crash, claimed she could not stop her vehicle in time to avoid hitting the Explorer. However, witnesses and her vehicle’s data recorder contradicted her account, as the data showed she only applied her brakes half a second before impact.
Grant was formally charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death, on May 9, 2025, but was not arrested until May 28. She is currently being held on a $10,000 bond at the Shelby County Jail and is scheduled for a court appearance on June 25, 2025.
Legal Implications and Consequences
Grant’s actions that day have had devastating consequences for James Hodges and his family. The charges she faces are serious, and if convicted, she could face significant legal penalties. The case highlights the dangers of driving under the influence, not only due to the impairment of judgment but also because of the potential distractions, such as makeup application, that can cause fatal accidents.
The tragic death of 6-year-old James Hodges serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. Khristal Grant’s actions, including driving under the influence and failing to pay attention to the road, led to the loss of a young life and significant injuries to others. As the legal process moves forward, it remains to be seen what consequences Grant will face, but the impact on James’s family will be felt for years to come.
