A tragic crash on Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville claimed the lives of a father and his young child late last night. According to News4Jax, the accident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. when a man, along with his 1-year-old, was hit by a car while they attempted to cross the road. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that the man was carrying the child at the time of the incident.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) pronounced both the man and the child deceased at the scene. The driver of the Honda Civic, which was traveling eastbound, was taken to a nearby hospital and is said to be cooperating with investigators. JSO Cmdr. Dan Shelton expressed sorrow over the event, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, as well as the families associated with the victims," as reported by First Coast News. It was also noted that the driver displayed no signs of impairment.
The road was closed in both directions following the accident to facilitate an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. This incident adds to the increasing number of traffic-related fatalities in Duval County, which had already recorded 62 deaths this year, including 12 involving pedestrians, before this heartrending event.
Details about the victims have not been widely disclosed. However, the man has been described by police as being in his 30's. The vehicle involved was described as a newer model Honda. This additional information was provided in a news release obtained by Action News Jax.
