Two Young Siblings Killed in Tragic Truck Accident at Mini Golf Course in North Florida

According to a report from Fox 8, two young siblings—a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old—were killed in a horrific pedestrian collision in North Florida. A spokesperson for local law enforcement confirmed that the children were with their family at a mini golf course when a truck ran off the road and struck them. The accident is heartbreaking and shocking. A GoFundMe has been set up on behalf of the family to help raise funds to support them through this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts are with the parents, family, and everyone else affected by the accident.

Truck Crashed Into a Mini Golf Course in Panama City Beach, FL 

The children were playing miniature golf with their family at the Coconut Creek Golf and Maze in Panama City Beach, Florida. The small golf course is located along the side of Florida State Road 30, though the facility is by no means unusually close to the road. Police report that a man drove his 2007 Chevrolet Silverado off of the road and collided with the two children.

The driver remained at the scene of the crash and was reportedly cooperative with law enforcement. At this time, no charges have been filed against the man. The Panama City Beach Police state that the truck crash is still under a more in-depth investigation. In addition, local police state that they are working with the Florida State Attorney’s Office. 

Too Many Children are Killed in Pedestrian Collisions  

Pedestrian accidents are a serious public safety hazard in the United States. For a number of different reasons, children are disproportionately affected by pedestrian collisions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that 20 percent of all children under the age of 15 who are killed in motor vehicle accidents were pedestrians. For reference, that means that several hundred children are killed in pedestrian crashes in the United States each year. Many thousands more kids are injured, sometimes severely so, in pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian collisions occur in a wide range of different ways. Most often, children are struck while crossing the street. Though, motor vehicles running off of the road is also a problem. Many common unsafe driver behaviors contribute to pedestrian accidents, including speeding and distracted driving. Poor road design and lack of safety features also contribute to these accidents. Both drivers and public officials need to do more to ensure that our roads (and sidewalks) are as safe as they can be for everyone, especially young children. 

Get Help From a Wrongful Death Lawyer in South Florida

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach truck accident attorneys are compassionate, experienced advocates for clients. We are here to help you navigate the legal process, so that you can focus on your family. Call us now for a free, completely confidential consultation. With legal offices in West Palm Beach, Wellington and Miami, we represent grieving families throughout the region, including in Hialeah, Miami Beach, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, and Jupiter.

Resources:

cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fmotorvehiclesafety%2Fpedestrian_safety%2Findex.html

fox8.com/news/perfect-little-lives-siblings-4-and-6-hit-and-killed-by-truck-at-mini-golf-course-in-florida/

gofundme.com/f/support-for-lauren-and-matt-kirchgessner?fbclid=IwAR3qQcJt78HEHRk1sjk6k69X8ZH-JLr-0uhX6zZldq3nvp4w75dVjlBo6yc