The Gilley Family

About The Gilley Family

David and Christine Gilley lived in China Grove, NC with their 13-year-old daughter Grace, 10-year-old son Jack, and their dog Harley. The family did everything together. They were energetic, outgoing, and full of life. They were involved members of their church, their community, and deeply connected to their families.

David Gilley, 48 (November 2, 1968 - April 13. 2017)

David Gilley was one of 8 siblings. His family describes him as an amazing human being, kind, generous, and a compassionate family leader. He was a devoted son, loving and supportive brother, great husband, and an amazing dad. He had an infectious laugh that could raise anyone's spirits. David was always there to support his family in times of need and with no hesitation. Often providing great advice based in scripture and faith to get friends and family through whatever situation they were facing. He had recently been promoted at work and was settling into his new role.

Christine Gilley, 42 (December 1, 1974 - April 13, 2017)

Christine was the type of person that was kind to everyone she met and she was equally loved by everyone in return. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend to many. Her family describes her as strong, genuine, driven and determined. She would light up the room with her affectionate smile. Christine was an avid athlete and enjoyed crossfit and working out at her gym. After several years of long hours as a busy professional, Christine was starting to scale back so that she could spend more time with David and the kids.

Grace Gilley, 13 (Sept 11, 2003 - April 13, 2017)

Grace was in 7th Grade at Salisbury Academy. She was as beautiful inside as she was on the outside. She loved running, acting, singing, art and spending time with friends and family.

Jack Gilley, 10 (Sept 23, 2006 - April 13, 2017)

Jack was in 4th Grade at Bostian Elementary. He was a sweet, bright, and fiercely loyal brother. He loved books, swimming, and dancing. Many a dance party was had with his sister and cousins. He also loved to make people laugh, just like his Dad.

Crash Description

On April 13, 2017, the Gilley Family was traveling from their home in North Carolina to Ohio to spend Easter with Christine’s family. Tragically, while traveling through West Virginia, they encountered a dangerous truck driver that worked for an inexperienced brand-new trucking company that did not have the federally required safety management controls in place for the safe operation of tractor trailers. Despite being brand new and having no safety history or controls in place, the trucking company was hired by a large broker just three days after the trucking company paid their $300 and obtained operating authority. This crash was only the company’s 17th load being transported. The truck driver was speeding and inattentive traveling southbound on I-77 on a long steep downhill grade and lost control of the tractor trailer. He crossed the median and struck the Gilley’s northbound car head on, killing David, Christine, Grace, Jack, and the family dog Harley on impact.

David’s brother Clint, “Our brother and his family … can never be replaced.”

Life After the Crash

David, Christine, Grace, and Jack touched the lives of many while alive, and their tragic loss is deeply felt by family, friends, and their community.

Both Grace and Jack’s schools went to great lengths to honor the children. Grace’s school had each student write a note about what Grace meant to them and the box full of messages was then shared with the family. They also allowed her classmates to view local artist works and settled on a meaningful piece that today still hangs in her school to honor Grace. At Jack’s school, a bench was dedicated and placed in the playground in his honor and a beautiful Dogwood tree was planted that has come to be known as the “Gilley Tree”. In addition, a memorial to Grace and Jack was placed in each of their school’s respective yearbooks. The irony that Grace should have been applying to college and getting ready to graduate high school is not lost on anyone. These bright, beautiful, and loving children had their whole lives ahead of them.

David and Christine were always there for their family and friends. Life has not been the same for anyone. For so many of their family, it feels like they have not been able to peacefully put them to rest yet, to be able to fully grieve their loss. They want to tell their story because they do not want another family to go through what they have had to face. They hope that by sharing their unimaginable loss, it will highlight the need for brokers and shippers that hire trucking companies verify that the trucking company has the required safety management controls in place for the safety of all who travel on our roads, especially if it is a brand new trucking company. And most importantly, for people to know about the exceptional lives of David, Christine, Grace, and Jack.