Antonio Sabato Jr. defends son Jack after his fatal hit-and-run arrest, begs for ‘compassion’: ‘I love him unconditionally’

Antonio Sabato Jr. is speaking out for the first time after facing an unimaginable situation as a father following his son Jack’s arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Alaska.

“There are moments in life for which no words can adequately express the weight of what has happened. This is one of them,” the actor exclusively tells Page Six in a statement.

“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 continues.

“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.”

Antonio Sabato Jr. pictured with Jack in 2007, speaks out following his son’s recent arrest. Admedia Photo / SplashNews.com
Jack Sabato, son of Antonio Sabato Jr. and Virginia Madsen, faces charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Alaska in 2026. KTUU

Antonio, 54, also called for the legal process to play out before conclusions are drawn.

“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 says.

“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.”

Antonio asked for privacy and compassion following his son’s arrest. antoniosabatojr/Instagram
Antonio Sabato Jr. and Jack attend the premiere of “Good Boy!” in Westwood, California. WireImage

His statement comes after Jack Sabato, 32, was arrested Nov. 9, in Anchorage, Alaska, in connection with the death of Simmonds, 42.

Jack — the son of Sabato Jr. and actress Virginia Madsen, 65 — 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.

According to charging documents, investigators reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed a white Chevrolet Tahoe striking Simmonds near Airport Heights Drive and DeBarr Road before driving away.

Police later located a Tahoe registered to Jack and found fresh damage that investigators said was consistent with a pedestrian collision.

The fatal accident occurred earlier this week in Alaska. KTUU
Antonio Sabato Jr., left, Virginia Madsen, and their son Jack arrive at the premiere of “Pokémon: The First Movie.” Corbis via Getty Images

Jack allegedly told police he had been making DoorDash deliveries when he hit “something” with his vehicle.

At the time, he said he believed it was an animal, which is why he did not stop.

He was arraigned Nov. 10, with bail set at $5,000, and was ordered not to drive.

He remained in custody as of Wednesday.

Antonio Sabato Jr., left, Jack Sabato, and Virginia Madsen attend the “War of the Worlds” screening in June 2005. WireImage
Actress Virginia Madsen, actor Antonio Sabato Jr. and their son Jack attend the “Small Soldiers” premiere on July 8, 1998, in Universal City, Calif. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

The arrest comes as Jack’s father Antonio has been enjoying a career renaissance, with representation from Domincton Talent House founder and CEO Dominique Enchinton helping usher in a new chapter for the actor.

In September, he told Page Six about his plans to return to professional racing, as well as embark on a new career journey in live entertainment as a professional DJ.

Antonio recently starred in the horror thriller “4:26” and can be seen in an upcoming live adaptation of “Snow White” that is currently in post-production.

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