A toddler died after a driver attempting to park struck him and his firefighter father at a Georgia shopping center, authorities said.
Off-duty Gainesville firefighter Samuel Skelton was holding his 22-month-old son, Knox, at Limestone Marketplace on Wednesday when the crash occurred, according to the Gainesville Police Department.
Police said Teresa Parker, 68, was parking a 2024 Ford Edge in a handicap-accessible space when she inadvertently accelerated over the curb, hitting Samuel and the child.
“Samuel was there, holding his 22-month-old son, Knox. Had his back to everything, didn’t even know what was coming, didn’t see what was coming,” Gainesville Police Capt. Kevin Holbrook said, according to Atlanta First News.
Knox was flown to a children’s hospital in Atlanta, where he later died from his injuries, authorities said. Samuel sustained minor injuries but did not need medical treatment, police added.
Knox was only weeks away from his second birthday, according to a fundraiser established for Samuel and his wife, Kiana Skelton.
“Sammy and Kiana Skelton recently experienced a heart-wrenching loss when their beloved son, Knox, who was just shy of his second birthday, passed away in a tragic accident,” the fundraiser stated.
According to his obituary, Knox carried monster trucks wherever he went, enjoyed visiting the park and loved “swinging on the swings on his daddy’s off days.”
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“He ran the fire station like he owned the place and loved driving the fire truck just like his daddy. He preferred cookies and snacks over eating an actual meal,” the obituary said.
The Gainesville Fire Department asked the community to keep the grieving family in its thoughts and prayers.
“As many of you have heard by now, one of our own and his wife experienced a heartbreaking tragedy yesterday—one that no parent should ever have to endure,” the department said in a statement.
“Samuel and Kiana Skelton are two of the most humble, caring, and genuine people you could ever meet. Our department is heartbroken by this tragedy, and we ask that our community surround the Skelton family with love, prayers, and support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” the statement continued.
“Members of public safety are often called upon to respond to some of the most heartbreaking and unimaginable situations our communities face. We train and prepare to handle these difficult moments, but nothing can prepare you for when tragedy strikes one of your own.”
The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing, police said.
Parker stayed at the scene and has not been charged.
“This was just a tragic accident, altogether. You had an elderly female who did not intentionally do this,” Holbrook said.