A Memorial Day family beach weekend turned tragic Saturday, May 23, when a 2-year-old child was hit by a vehicle, officials said.
She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Child ran into driving lane on beach
The girl ran into a traffic lane near E. Seventh Ave. in New Smyrna Beach and was struck around 4:30 p.m., according to a social media post by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
“The driver of the vehicle remained on scene, and at this time, it does not appear speed or impairment are a factor,” the VCSO said. “The Volusia Sheriff’s Office sends our deepest condolences to the child’s family.”
Who was the child killed at New Smyrna Beach
The sheriff’s office has not named the girl. News 6 reported it was 22-month-old Avery Lynn.
The Professional Firefighters of Orange City called her “an extended piece of our OCFD and Local 5375 family” and shared a link to a GoFundMe for her funeral costs and memorial. As of the morning of May 26, it has raised more than $10,000 of its $18,000 goal.
“Avery had so much spirit — she could light up a room just by being herself,” said Jade Lindlau, Avery’s mother’s cousin, who started the GoFundMe page. “Her loving nature touched everyone she met, and her sweetness made her truly unforgettable.”
Is driving allowed on New Smyrna Beach?
Yes. Driving on the beach is allowed in several areas of Volusia County. It’s free for residents and $30 a day for visitors. Visitors may also buy a $150 annual pass. Off-beach parking costs extra.
Driving and parking on the beach is only allowed in designated areas, and there is a speed limit of 10 mph.
Volusia County Beach Safety Rescue and its division director, Tamra Malphurs, has tips for keeping your child safe at the beach:
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Car hits, kills 2-year-old on Florida beach. What happened
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
