Mother of 5-year-old boy hit by truck says she has no bad feelings for driver

ROY, Utah — The mother of a 5-year-old boy who was hit by a truck spoke with KSL TV about the crash.

Jennifer Roberts said her son Bentley Roberts is in critical but stable condition at Primary Children’s Hospital.

On Thursday, Roberts said she received some good news — Bentley won’t need surgery, but he’s still in a lot of pain and it’ll take time to recover.

Bentley is in good spirits though thanks to all the well-wishes he’s received from the community.

“He loves riding his bike, hot wheels, his friends,” Roberts said.

Bentley was doing what he loved Wednesday night, riding bikes with a friend not far from his home in Roy.

There’s been an outpouring of love and support for 5-yr-old Bentley who was hit by a truck in Roy last night while riding his bike. Coming up on LIVE AT NOON, my conversation with his mom and the message she has for the driver. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/Tkoj3ixwPD

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) October 6, 2022

“Him and his friend were crossing the street,” Roberts said.

Roberts was told a truck hauling a trailer had stopped next to Bentley and his friend at a stop sign near 2600 West and 4400 South.

“He did not see Bentley. He thought it was safe to go,” she said.

Bentley was hit by the truck. Roberts got the call from a family member while she was at the store.

“Seeing him laying in the middle of the road not moving, looks like he’s lifeless right there. I was scared, crying,” she said.

Bentley was taken to McKay-Dee Hospital before being airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital.

He has a lacerated liver and fractures around his pelvis and his hips.

5-year-old in critical condition after being hit by truck

Roberts was feeling relieved though with news from the doctor Wednesday.

“As of right now, everything’s good — no surgery,” she said.

Bentley is Roberts’ only child, and they share a special bond.

“He just turned 5 in August,” she said. “He was just diagnosed with autism.”

She’s been sharing the comments people have posted on social media to Bentley and he’s been touched by all the love.

“I told him that there’s a lot of people asking about him and he had tears coming out of his eyes. Crying a little bit. He’s so happy.”

For the driver, Roberts holds no ill feelings.

“I hope the driver is doing OK. I can’t imagine how it would feel hit a kid or anybody at all.”

Roy police said the driver is cooperating with their investigation. They say impairment was not a factor and they don’t believe speed played a role.