Father Addresses Tragic Loss of 6-Year-Old Daughter; Wife and Son Injured in Tampa Vehicle Incident

A father from Hillsborough County, Florida, is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after his six-year-old daughter lost her life when a pickup truck struck her on Tuesday morning in Town ‘N Country.

The devastating incident also involved his wife and ten-year-old son, who were hit as they were on their way to school.

Pedro Segundo-Cruz shared that his wife is currently recovering at St. Joseph’s Hospital, while their son has fortunately been released from medical care.

In a heart-wrenching moment, he expressed, “Seeing her lying there in a pool of blood shattered my heart.”

Segundo-Cruz described the pain his wife now faces as she heals from her own injuries.

“Psychological trauma, the loss of a daughter, harm to herself, and harm to her son — these are four things a mother is suffering with all at once,” he said.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Segundo-Cruz’s wife was crossing Sheldon Road with the children Tuesday morning when a driver turning from Mohr Road failed to yield. The impact threw their belongings across the street.

“Thrown and ripped apart were the school backpack, bottles, lunchboxes, my wife’s bag that she carries on her back,” he recalled.

Six-year-old Rosangela Segundo-Osurio died at the scene. Her mother, brother, and the driver were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Deputies cited the 77-year-old driver for a violation of right-of-way involving a death — a civil offense carrying a $1,000 fine and a six-month license suspension.

“You think that’s justice? For me, that’s not worth my daughter, that’s not worth my family,” Segundo-Cruz said.

Rosangela attended Faith Outreach Academy, the same school her brother goes to.

The school community quickly rallied and continues to support the family, creating a GoFundMe that has raised more than $11,500 toward a $13,000 goal.

“That’s going to be a big help to this family,” said Principal Julie Sierra. “We wanted to help them in any way that we can.”

Segundo-Cruz said he’s grateful for the support but hopes prosecutors will take a closer look at the case.

“I want the prosecutor’s office to look into this because this isn’t just anything. This is a deadly accident,” he said.

The family’s attorney said they believe distraction and negligence may have played a role, and his firm is investigating.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office told News Channel 8 they do not believe distracted driving was a factor.

Father Addresses Tragic Loss of 6-Year-Old Daughter; Wife and Son Injured in Tampa Vehicle Incident

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