NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A family’s day at the beach ended in tragedy in Volusia County.
A 2-year-old girl is dead after investigators said she was hit by a car driving on the sand in New Smyrna Beach.
Witness Mia Leporn said, “A little girl was face down in the sand. It was very sad. People were screaming. People were crying. It’s a very tragic event.”
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said it happened around 4:30 p.m. Saturday near East Seventh Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, when the toddler ran into the traffic lane and was hit by a car.
Leporn also said, “Where you see the marker is where the little girl was.”
She was rushed to a nearby hospital, but she did not survive.
Now, some beachgoers said the tragedy is raising questions about safety where cars and families share the sand.
Joe Ryan, who lives in Volusia County, said, “No words can express how sad this is, and there’s nothing that will make them feel better.”
Ryan also said, “I don’t think driving on the beach should be done away with. I think it is a good thing, but maybe there should be a driving lane that is fenced off and a separate walking path.”
Others said drivers need to be more careful, especially when it comes to children.
Leporn said, “They run. They’re excited. They’re at the beach. You need to take extra precautions, slow down, and pay attention.”
Investigators said the driver stayed on scene, and speed and impairment do not appear to be factors.
Leporn added, “No one should take their kids to the beach and end up dealing with this. It’s so heartbreaking.”
The incident remains under investigation.
Volusia County officials said we continue to work with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office to gather additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.