Driver Charged With Killing Boy Received Narcan: Police

SEVERNA PARK, MD — The driver charged in the death of a 12-year-old boy who was fatally hit while walking with his family had passed out behind the wheel and received Narcan at the scene, authorities say.Matthew William Murphy, 12, of the 400 block of Shore Drive, died at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, according to Anne Arundel County Police. Authorities have charged the driver with several offenses, and say more criminal charges are possible once toxicology results come back.

Matthew was walking on a sidewalk with his mother and brother about 3:20 p.m. Sunday when a Chevrolet van driven by Michael Blair Gauthier, 37, of the 400 block of Golf Course Court in Arnold, veered off Bay Green Drive and hit the boy. The van then continued through the grass before running off the road and striking a tree.

The boy was flown to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

Gauthier was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center with minor injuries and a toxicology screening. He is now being held in jail without bail.

On Monday night, Matthew's mother told community members gathered for a candlelight vigil at the accident scene how grateful she was for the support her family has received during the aftermath of her son's death, WMAR reports.

Police spokesman Marc Limansky said that until toxicology results come in, police don't know if he was under the influence of drugs. But a pipe investigators suspect was used to smoke crack cocaine was recovered at the scene and is being analyzed. Officers administered Narcan — which can counteract overdoses and restore normal breathing — which is standard procedure when treating an unconscious, unresponsive person and drugs appear to be involved, Limansky said.

The Narcan had no effect on the driver and no overt signs of heroin were found at the scene, he said.

Police say the crash was likely caused by Gauthier's reckless driving, and failing to remain in a single lane. Gauthier was arrested and charged with criminally negligent manslaughter, grossly negligent manslaughter, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

A funeral service and burial for Matthew will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Photo of Michael Gauthier, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police