Coroner Responds to His Own Sons' Death, Now Turning Tragedy Around
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 29, 2012
It's a call no father ever wants to get. But for the Pulaski County Coroner, it was also a sight he never wanted to see.
The Coroner now wants to take what is nothing short of a tragedy and turn it around, hoping others will take heed.
"It's a cliche saying, speed kills," said Gerone Q. Hobbs, the Pulaski County Coroner.
Hobbs has to face death nearly every single day, but last week, was different.
"Unfortunately this time, it hit home," said Hobbs.
After what seemed like a routine call to an accident on Highway 70 Friday morning, one of Hobbs' worst fears was realized.
"When I arrived on scene, I saw his vehicle and I knew then, it was my son," he said.
Hobbs' son, Xavier, was the only victim in a single car crash.
"I didn't want to believe it, but I knew looking at the vehicle, I knew," Hobbs said.
The roads are dry now, but State Police say Friday morning they were wet and slick. Xavier came around this curve, state police say, too fast and he lost control.
"I am going to miss him dearly," said Hobbs.
Now, teddy bears and flowers mark the tree Xavier's car hit.
He was just 18, fun loving and kind, a recent graduate of Lonoke High School.
Hobbs says, Xavier was a typical teen, which is why he always cautioned his son to watch his speed.
"Okay, dad, I am going to slow down, I won't drive fast. He knew the consequences behind it" said Hobbs.
A man of faith, Hobbs is convinced his son is in a better place.
But his short life, Hobbs says, shouldn't be in vain.
"I will hope someone can get something out of this tragedy," Hobbs said.
To everyone, but especially teens, he says, please-don't speed.
"All it can take is a millimeter of a second and things can go wrong. And it did go wrong for
us.
If you would like more information about Xavier Hobbs' funeral arrangements or about his life, click here.
The Coroner now wants to take what is nothing short of a tragedy and turn it around, hoping others will take heed.
"It's a cliche saying, speed kills," said Gerone Q. Hobbs, the Pulaski County Coroner.
Hobbs has to face death nearly every single day, but last week, was different.
"Unfortunately this time, it hit home," said Hobbs.
After what seemed like a routine call to an accident on Highway 70 Friday morning, one of Hobbs' worst fears was realized.
"When I arrived on scene, I saw his vehicle and I knew then, it was my son," he said.
Hobbs' son, Xavier, was the only victim in a single car crash.
"I didn't want to believe it, but I knew looking at the vehicle, I knew," Hobbs said.
The roads are dry now, but State Police say Friday morning they were wet and slick. Xavier came around this curve, state police say, too fast and he lost control.
"I am going to miss him dearly," said Hobbs.
Now, teddy bears and flowers mark the tree Xavier's car hit.
He was just 18, fun loving and kind, a recent graduate of Lonoke High School.
Hobbs says, Xavier was a typical teen, which is why he always cautioned his son to watch his speed.
"Okay, dad, I am going to slow down, I won't drive fast. He knew the consequences behind it" said Hobbs.
A man of faith, Hobbs is convinced his son is in a better place.
But his short life, Hobbs says, shouldn't be in vain.
"I will hope someone can get something out of this tragedy," Hobbs said.
To everyone, but especially teens, he says, please-don't speed.
"All it can take is a millimeter of a second and things can go wrong. And it did go wrong for
us.
If you would like more information about Xavier Hobbs' funeral arrangements or about his life, click here.
