Antonio Sabàto Jr. Has broken his silence after his eldest son was arrested in a fatal Alaska hit-and-run, pleading for public compassion while expressing grief for the victim’s family.
The actor, 54, issued an exclusive statement on Monday addressing the Nov. 9 arrest of Jack Sabàto, 32, in Anchorage. Jack faces felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the death of Carl Simmonds, 42, who was struck near Airport Heights Drive and DeBarr Road.
“There are moments in life for which no words can adequately express the weight of what has happened. This is one of them,” Antonio told the outlet.
The former soap star directed his first words toward Simmonds’s loved ones rather than toward his son’s defense. “First and foremost, my heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Carl Simmonds. A life has been tragically lost, and no family’s grief should ever be overshadowed by public attention or speculation,” he continued.
Jack, whose mother is actress Virginia Madsen, 65, was arraigned Nov. 10 with bail set at $5,000 and a court order prohibiting him from driving. Charging documents indicate investigators examined surveillance footage allegedly capturing a white Chevrolet Tahoe striking Simmonds before leaving the scene.
Police later located a Tahoe registered to Jack and observed fresh damage consistent with a pedestrian collision, according to the documents. Jack allegedly told investigators he had been making DoorDash deliveries when he hit “something” with his vehicle. He claimed he believed it was an animal, which he said explained why he did not stop.
Antonio’s statement carefully balanced acknowledgment of the tragedy with support for his son. “As a father, I love my son unconditionally. That love does not diminish the gravity of this tragedy, nor does it lessen my compassion for a family facing an unimaginable loss,” he said.
The actor also urged restraint in public judgment pending legal proceedings. “I believe in the importance of truth, accountability, and due process. As the legal proceedings move forward, I ask that the facts be established through the appropriate channels rather than through speculation or public judgment,” he added.
Antonio concluded by requesting privacy for all parties involved. “At this extraordinarily difficult time, my thoughts and prayers remain with everyone whose life has been forever affected. I respectfully ask for compassion and privacy for all families involved,” he shared.
The arrest has disrupted what had been a professional resurgence for Antonio. In September, he spoke about returning to professional racing and launching a new career as a professional DJ in live entertainment. He recently starred in the horror thriller “4:26” and appears in an upcoming live adaptation of “Snow White” currently in post-production, with representation from Dominique Enchinton of Domincton Talent House.
Jack faces a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident without assisting an injured person and a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death.