Oregon Driver Accused of Fatal E-Scooter Hit-and-Run Claims He Thought He Hit a 'Bump'
Cody Churchwell faces charges including manslaughter after 13-year-old Quinn Broyles was killed in Canby.
A van driver accused of fleeing after fatally striking a 13-year-old girl on an e-scooter in Oregon told police he kept driving because he believed he had only hit a 'bump' in the road, authorities said.
Cody Churchwell, 31, was arrested Thursday on charges including second-degree manslaughter, failure to perform the duties of a driver, reckless driving, and reckless endangering. The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday in Canby, when Quinn Broyles was struck by a van.
Churchwell, a plumber, pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday. Prosecutors argued that his van sustained significant damage, including a leaking radiator, and that he had been drinking prior to the incident, according to KPTV.
Quinn Broyles was airlifted to Randall Children's Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The van, identified as belonging to a local plumbing company, was found hours later at Churchwell's home.
Canby Police Captain James Murphy described the incident as particularly hard-hitting due to the victim's age. "It always hits hard when it's an innocent young person of course," Murphy said.
Quinn's family released a statement through the Canby Police Department, remembering her as a young girl who left a significant impact on her community. "Quinn was taken from us far too soon... We truly believe this angel among us was sent from Heaven above, and although we weren't ready, the Good Lord welcomed her back again with open arms," the statement read. They described her as an inspirational young leader who was devoted to her family and enjoyed camping, vacationing, dancing, and basketball.
"She wasn't just a daughter, sister, friend, a teammate, a captain or a dancer. She was an inspirational young leader whose love, determination and character left a lasting impression on the youth in our communities," the family statement continued. "She was strong-willed, determined and never afraid to let her personality shine."
Pacific Plumbing and Drain Services, the company whose van was involved, issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging full cooperation with the investigation. "First and most importantly, our hearts are with the family of the girl involved in last night’s tragic accident in Canby. We learned of the incident first thing this morning, including the possibility that one of our fleet vehicles was involved. We immediately contacted the Canby Police Department and are cooperating fully with their investigation," the company said.
Organizations Quinn was involved with also shared tributes. Bridge City Soccer Academy described her as "funny, athletic, kind, outgoing, confident and a bright presence in our community." Canby Junior Basketball posted on Instagram that Quinn had "brought so much joy, energy and love to our basketball community." They noted her role as a leader on her teams and her deep love for basketball, her teammates, and her family.
Quinn's family, including her mother Sarah, father Ryan, and brother Tyler, are being supported by a fundraiser on Support Now. The page stated that the young teen had a "bright future ahead of her" and that her "sudden loss has left her family, basketball team, school mates and everyone that knew her devastated."
Churchwell is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday.
