WILMINGTON, N.C. -- The man Wilmington police say is responsible for the death of a 2-year-old boy in a multi-vehicle accident appeared in court Wednesday.
The wreck happened Tuesday morning near Independence Mall.
Investigators say 24-year-old Jonathan Hayes rear-ended a car the child was riding in and side-swiped another car.
Prosecutors say Hayes received his fifth dose of Narcan, an opioid reversal drug, following Tuesday's accident.
They say opioid and drug abuse is a major issue in the community.
"How many more tragedies does this community need to see before we send the message that this is just absolutely unacceptable?" said District Attorney Ben David, New Hanover and Pender counties.
Hayes is charged with second degree murder, reckless driving, driving while impaired, felony death by motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.
His bond was set at $59 million.
A fundraising account for the victim's family has already raised thousands of dollars.
The organizer of the account, Kayla Parker, says her nephew, Mason, was killed in the accident.
Parker says her brother-in-law will have to take time off from work and that the money is needed to help with funeral costs.