What to Know
Austin Summers had his three young sons with him when his 2007 GMC Sierra rear-ended a 2013 Ford 450 box truck on 1-84 in Nampa, Idaho, on November 25, 2025. Tragically, Summers’ 7-year-old son, Graham, died following the collision. His two young brothers, Brigham and Atlas, survived, but their lives will never be the same. The Idaho State Police began an investigation immediately, asking anyone with information to contact them.
As they collected evidence, they found that not only was Summers allegedly using his phone, but he also had illegal drugs in his system. He faces a vehicular manslaughter charge in his innocent son’s death.
The accident appeared to be a perfect storm.
Per a release from the Idaho State Police, the accident occurred just after 3 p.m. on westbound I-84 near milepost 39. Court documents obtained by KTVB state evidence reportedly shows Summers using his phone shortly before the crash. He allegedly had multiple drafted text messages and an Instagram post created while he was driving that day. An accident reconstruction crew estimated Summers was driving between 73 and 75 mph in a 65 mph speed limit. But that wasn’t all; his urine tested positive for cocaine and opiates.
Graham didn’t appear to have a seatbelt on.
Authorities do not believe Graham had his seatbelt on at the time of the crash, but did not make a definitive statement. Summers’ wife, Ashley Summers, reportedly turned over text messages to police that show her discussing seatbelt safety with her husband. She also shared photos that reportedly showed the children unrestrained while in the car with their father.
Just weeks after the crash, Summers shared an emotional Facebook post dedicated to his late son.
“He’s was such a beautiful boy. I’m going to miss you so much buddy you were my best friend. You always knew how to light up the darkness. I wish I could give you back tickles and sing you the misty mountains cold,” he wrote. “I love you so much buddy my little graham bam.”
A GoFundMe shows photos of a happy little boy.
Loved ones want to raise funds for Ashley Summers following the loss of her son.
“Graham John Summers was the sweetest, kindest, and most smiley 7-year-old you could ever meet. As a 2nd grader and an amazing big brother, Graham’s silly spirit and infectious smile brought joy to everyone around him,” a post on the fundraiser reads. “He had a special way of making people laugh and always put a smile on everyone’s faces, no matter the situation. His loss has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
They’ve raised more than $46,000 thus far.
Summers denied his impairment.
Per court documents, Summers denied being under the influence of any illegal substances at the time of the crash.
“While I am devastated by the loss of my son, I take responsibility not in that I was impaired by any means, or that [Graham] unilaterally took his seatbelt off while I was driving on the freeway, but that I should have immediately pulled over and made sure he was properly buckled,” he said. “That will haunt me forever.”
The Idaho Statesman reported police arrested Summers on July 21 on one charge of vehicular manslaughter and two counts of injury to a child. He’s currently in the Ada County Jail on a $500,000 bond. Summers will appear in court on August 6 for a bond reduction hearing.
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