A former Ardmore High School wrestling coach will not face criminal charges in connection with the June run-over death of a foster child at a Concord Road residence.
District Attorney Craig Ladd said Friday he determined charges against 32-year-old Heath Claborn “were not warranted.
“While the Carter County Sheriff’s Department conducted a thorough investigation of the matter in a rather expeditious manner, I was unable to make a final decision on whether criminal charges should be filed until the results of a lab analysis of blood drawn from the driver of the vehicle, Heath Claborn, following the incident could be obtained,” Ladd said. “We received the lab results Thursday and the analysis revealed that Mr. Claborn was neither under the influence, nor impaired, by drugs or alcohol at that time.
“While we are very saddened by this incident and extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones (of the foster child), the evidence indicates his death was the result of a very tragic accident rather than some criminal act. Consequently, I have no intention of filing criminal charges based on this incident.”
Claborn was leaving the home of Dale and Darla Owen about 6 p.m. June 27 when he accidently backed over the toddler. Claborn and Dale Owen immediately drove the little boy to the local emergency room and he was later airlifted to an Oklahoma City medical facility. The child died June 28 of massive injuries suffered in the accident.
At the time of the accident, Carter County Sheriff Ken Grace said Claborn was cooperating fully with the investigation. Grace also confirmed the investigation indicated alcohol might have been a factor in the accident. Claborn immediately submitted to a blood test, which was submitted to the state for analysis.
At the time, Grace and Ladd said they anticipated it would take six to eight weeks before the lab results were available.
Just a month before the accident Claborn finished his contract with Ardmore City Schools and accepted a position with Bethel High School as a math teacher and coach.
Marsha Miller 221-6529
marsha.miller@ardmoreite.com
