WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A Kansas man was sentenced to 70 years in prison for running over the Jones family from Nickerson, leaving one member dead and others seriously injured. Michael Hurley was found guilty of murder, three counts of assault, and driving under the influence.
On July 5, 2022, Hurley crashed his vehicle, resulting in the tragic loss of Trey Jones, and serious injuries to his wife, Amy, and daughter, Ava. Their son, Creek, thankfully escaped without severe injuries. A jury had recommended Hurley serve 75 years behind bars, but the judge decided on 70 years during the recent sentencing hearing.
Ava Jones now faces a lifetime of challenges due to the traumatic brain injury she sustained from the crash. Before this, she had committed to playing basketball at the University of Iowa but is now medically retired, grappling with the effects of her condition.
During the sentencing, Amy Jones spoke powerfully about how Hurley’s reckless actions have altered her family's life forever. “Though she is still alive, she (Ava) is not the girl we have known for 17 years. She is struggling to know who she was, who she is now, and who she is going to be in the future,” Amy stated. “Michael’s decision to drive drugged has condemned Ava to a life sentence of living as a lost soul trying to navigate in an unfamiliar world. Because Ava will have to struggle through the rest of her life with the effects of the traumatic brain injury, and of course, we have to live forever without Trey.”
At the time of the crash, Hurley was reportedly high on fentanyl, raising serious concerns about the consequences of impaired driving. The Jones family has been vocal about the far-reaching impact of the incident, advocating for increased awareness about drug use and driving safety.
This case highlights the tragic reality of how one individual’s poor choices can irrevocably alter the lives of many. With Trey gone and Ava’s promising future cut short, the Jones family is left to navigate a world forever changed by the events of July 5, 2022.
Michael Hurley will serve his sentence, but for Amy, Ava, and Creek, the sentence is lifelong. They must now learn to cope with loss and the challenges of living with the repercussions of such catastrophic choices. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the potential consequences of substance abuse.
