‘Modern Family’ Star Sarah Hyland Distancing From Twitter Following Cousin's Death

“Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland has decided to take a break from Twitter after her 14-year-old cousin Trevor Canaday’s death. She received harsh criticism on social media after posting about her cousin, who was killed in Nebraska by a drunk driver.

“You guys finally did it,” she tweeted on Monday. “Your horrible negative ignorant words have broken me. Happy? Staying offline for a while. I have a special announcement and video releasing on Wednesday I believe. So. There’s that.”

Before taking a break from social media, the 28-year-old actress asked for prayers while mourning for her cousin. She also shared on Twitter that her uncle was awaiting surgeries.

Canaday died on Saturday evening after the Nissan Maxima he was riding with his father Clifford, 59, was plowed by a Ford Escape that beat a red light. Canaday was ejected from the car despite wearing a seatbelt. He suffered fatal head injuries, as per a USA Today report.

Canaday’s father also suffered serious head injuries. A press release from the Omaha Police Department stated that he was taken to Nebraska Medicine.

The Ford Escape driver was identified by authorities as 36-year-old Jeffrey Eggeling. He reportedly fled on foot from the scene after the accident. He was found near the collision scene and he reeked of alcohol. His speech was also slurred.

Eggeling was booked on two counts of driving under the influence (DUI) causing serious bodily injury. He was also booked into Douglas County Corrections for leaving the scene of a personal injury crash accident resulting in death.

Eggeling was charged on Tuesday by Douglas County attorney Don Kleine with motor vehicle homicide with a DUI Prior Conviction. He is due to appear in court to set bond on Wednesday, according to WOWT and KETV.

Hyland couldn’t help but post on Twitter about her feelings toward the drunk driver. "JEFFERY EGGERLING (sic) had two prior DUI’s and tried to RUN from the scene of the crime after hitting my Uncle’s car SO fast that my 14 yr old cousin, who was wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle," she tweeted. "May he rot in hell."

Aside from “Modern Family,” Hyland has appeared on “As the World Turns,” “The Wonderful World of Disney,” “Touched by an Angel,” “All My Children,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Trial by Jury,” “One Life to Live” and “Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments.” She also starred in “Vampire Academy” and “Spanglish.”