The son of two well-known Hollywood actors has been arrested in Alaska after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian with his SUV before fleeing the scene.
Jack Sabàto, 32, whose parents are General Hospital star Antonio Sabàto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, faces two criminal charges following the November 9 crash in Anchorage that claimed the life of 42-year-old Carl Simmonds.
According to charging documents, Sabàto was driving a white Chevrolet Tahoe near the intersection of Airport Heights Drive and DeBarr Road around 5:35 a.m. when he allegedly struck Simmonds and continued driving without stopping.
Police and emergency responders arrived approximately 13 minutes later after receiving reports of an unresponsive man. Simmonds was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators recovered surveillance footage from the nearby Blood Bank of Alaska that allegedly showed the SUV striking the pedestrian without braking before or after the collision.
Authorities traced the vehicle’s registration to Sabàto and located his Tahoe parked outside an Anchorage Amazon warehouse around 12:45 p.m.
The SUV reportedly had fresh damage to its front passenger-side corner consistent with striking a pedestrian. Police obtained a warrant and seized the vehicle.
But what Sabàto allegedly told investigators afterward raised even more questions.
According to court documents, Sabàto contacted police that afternoon and initially claimed he had struck an animal while driving.
He later explained that he had been making late-night DoorDash deliveries and was heading home when something suddenly appeared in the road, damaging his headlights.
Sabàto allegedly admitted knowing he had hit something but claimed he did not realize it was a person.
Investigators said he acknowledged failing to stop because he was frightened and did not have automobile insurance. He also reportedly told officers he intended to report the incident after finishing work.
According to the charging documents, Sabàto contacted authorities after his girlfriend informed him that police had seized his SUV.
He allegedly told investigators he “knew the worst.”
Sabàto was arrested and charged with felony failure to stop and render assistance following an accident, along with a misdemeanor charge related to leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death.
During his Tuesday court appearance, a judge reportedly set bail at $5,000 and prohibited him from driving.
The arrest has also shaken his famous family.
His father, Antonio Sabàto Jr., who rose to fame on General Hospital and later appeared in Melrose Place, addressed the devastating news in a statement to TMZ.
“We all just found out the terrible news and our family is digesting this horrible news and asking for privacy in this devastating news. Thank you,” the actor said.
Sabàto’s mother, Virginia Madsen, earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the 2004 film Sideways. She also starred in Candyman and A Prairie Home Companion.
His late uncle was actor Michael Madsen, known for his unforgettable performances in Quentin Tarantino films including Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill.
The fatal collision has also drawn attention to pedestrian safety in Anchorage. Simmonds was reportedly the ninth pedestrian killed in a traffic collision in the city this year.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and have asked anyone with additional information or surveillance footage to contact Anchorage police.