The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has charged the driver of a Toyota 4 Runner SUV in connection with a fatality crash on Old McClure Road the afternoon of June 15, 2009.

Buddy Franklin Ricketts, age 34, was arrested Wednesday after indictments were returned from the Bradley County Grand Jury charging him with negligent homicide and two counts of reckless endangerment.

A thorough investigation conducted by the BCSO Traffic Unit indicates Ricketts was delivering newspapers on Old McClure Road assisted by three children, ages 7, 5, and 8, when he lost control of the vehicle after topping a small hill. The vehicle slid sideways out of control, rolled, and ended up leaving the road colliding with a tree.

Seven-year-old Haley Nicole Valenzuela was partially ejected and died of her injuries. The other two children and Ricketts were treated at area hospitals for their injuries.

Ricketts remains in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Buddy Franklin Ricketts