NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Officials are urging beachgoers and drivers to take extra safety measures after the death of a 2-year-old girl who was hit by a car in New Smyrna Beach.
The incident 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.
On Memorial Day, the beach was busy with families who were aware of the tragedy that had happened two days earlier.
“Sick to my stomach. My wife and I are on this beach every day with our daughter, who’s two years old, and she runs around here all the time,” New Smyrna Beach resident Jake McGowan said.
The incident has raised a renewed debate about beach safety and driving on the sand.
“I’m 50/50 on it,” McGowan said. “I think that it needs to be limited. I think they’re letting a lot of people on the beach. There are almost too many people on the beach now.”
Volusia County Beach Safety said they were working with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office to gather additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Investigators said the driver stayed on scene, and speed and impairment do not appear to be factors.