A 10-year-old boy was behind the wheel of a pickup truck when it crashed into a canal in Washington, killing his father and 8-year-old brother, KTVB-TV reported.
According to investigators, Scott Kolves was teaching his son how to drive when the fatal wreck occurred in March. Though Kolves grabbed hold of the wheel, he couldn't stop the car from falling into the canal.
"Scott (Kolves) was in the passenger seat. When he realized they were in trouble he grabbed the steering wheel in an attempt to keep the vehicle on the canal road," stated Sheriff Tom Jones. "The truck ended up in the canal."
Fisherman nearby were able to rescue the 10-year-old and his 12-year-old brother, but they were not able to save their youngest brother, Korey Kolves. A funeral for the boy was held on Saturday, KTVB said.
"They were out for a day of fishing," Grant County Undersheriff Dave Ponozzo told the AP. "I know on a personal level that they enjoy fishing and Scott [the father] enjoys time with his three boys and that's what they were doing yesterday."
Authorities are still searching for the father's body, according to local media reports. Kolves, 45, worked as a security guard at Ephrata High School for 14 years and also helped special needs children.
"Scott (Kolves) loved his sons. Everybody we talk to lets us know how much he loved his sons. Spending time with them - especially fishing - was the highlight of his life. Scott's last outing was centered on the love for his sons and enjoying time with them," said Jones. "There are no criminal charges. This was an accident."
Deputies said several employees at the high school were at the hospital after the incident and mentioned the two surviving boys were having a difficult time coping with what happened.
"Obviously pretty sad they lost a brother and we can't find dad, so the boys are having a pretty rough time right now," Ponozzo said.
