Photos for Headline Surfer / Skidmarks are shown after daybreak Thursday of a horrific fatal accident in which a toddler followed a family dog out of a home and onto the roadway of the 2900 block of North Halifax Avenue near Plaza Boulevard, and was struck by two motor vehicles shortly before 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
UPDATED
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A 1 1/2-year-old boy was killed after being hit by two motor vehicles Wednesday night after following the family dog out of the house in the 2900 block of North Halifax Avenue near Plaza Boulevard, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Here is a synopsis of what happened: At 8:21 p.m., Daytona Beach cops responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls of a small child hit by two motor vehicles after following the family dog that escaped from the residence and onto the 2900 block of North Halifax Avenue near Plaza Boulevard.
The dog was not injured, police said.
A 2003 Honda CR-V first struck the toddler, police said. That impact caused the little boy into the southbound lanes, where a 2012 Chevy Silverado then struck him.
Cops found him in the roadway with severe injuries. The toddler was transported by ambulance to Halifax Hospital with severe injuries and he was pronounced dead shortly upon arrival by ER personnel.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that the child had exited their residence, following the family dog, which had escaped," Daytona Beach said in a press release. "While following the dog, the child entered oncoming traffic and was struck by a vehicle, followed by a second vehicle. Cops noted the drivers of both vehicles remained on scene.
"I don’t want to hold anybody accountable for what they did or didn’t do last night," William Rhodes, director of operations at Daytona Beach Police Department, said. "Obviously, those of us who are parents know that little kids are quick and fast."
Rhodes said the child’s father was working on a sprinkler system in the yard at the time.
"This remains an active and ongoing investigation," police stressed, adding, "At this time, there are no additional details to provide."
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