3-year-old boy dies after being hit by car in Tampa, Florida

A 3-year-old boy has died after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle in Florida, authorities say

On July 25 at approximately 7 p.m., the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7500 block of Pitch Pine Circle in Tampa after receiving a report that a toddler had been struck by a vehicle, officials said.

According to officers, the toddler was riding his bike with his mother and siblings in the parking lot of Place One Condominiums when a Toyota RAV4 turned a corner and struck the child.

According to authorities, the 3-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

“This is a devastating and heartbreaking tragedy for everyone involved,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they navigate this unimaginable grief.”

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‘All they could do was pray’: Police share more details of accident during press conference

During a press conference on Thursday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shared more details about the crash.

The investigation is currently in its early stages, but the department said the crash occurred at an unfortunate time.

“Right before this 3-year-old’s life was tragically taken, he did what any child would do,” Media Relations Manager Jessica Lang said at the conference. “It’s summertime. He was riding his bike with his siblings and his mother was not far behind him.”

Lang said that when officers arrived on the scene, “all they could do was pray.”

“Our officers are mothers, fathers, and it is heartbreaking to see a child lose their life in an unfortunate and tragic accident,” Lang said.

Authorities are not releasing the child’s identity at this time and would like to give the family the privacy they need as they grieve.

Lang also said the vehicle involved was a silver Toyota RAV4 and that the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. No criminal charges are pending at this time. Speed and impairment are not believed to have been factors in the crash.

Authorities are currently working with the mother, who was nearby when the accident happened.

“As you can imagine, Mom is going through the worst nightmare,” Lang said.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.