A 3-year-old boy died when he was hit by a car while riding his bike in Florida, authorities say

On July 25 at around 7 p.m., the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that a toddler had been struck by a car in the 7500 block of Pitch Pine Circle in Tampa, officials said.

Officials said the toddler was riding a bike with his mother and siblings in the parking lot of Place One Condominiums when a Toyota RAV4 rounded a corner and struck the child.

The three-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, officials said.

“This is a devastating and heartbreaking tragedy for everyone involved,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through this unimaginable grief.”

Boy dies: Body of autistic 3-year-old boy found after he went missing from resort near Disney

“All they could do was pray”: Police announce further details of the accident at a press conference

During a press conference on Thursday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released further details about the accident.

The investigation is currently in its early stages, but the department said the accident occurred at an unfortunate time.

“Just before this three-year-old’s life tragically ended, he did what any child would do,” Jessica Lang, media relations manager, said at the conference. “It’s summer. He was riding his bike with his siblings and his mother was close behind him.”

Lang said when officers arrived at the scene, “all they could do was pray.”

“Our MPs are mothers, they are fathers, and it is heartbreaking to see a child die in an unfortunate and tragic accident,” Lang said.

Authorities are not disclosing the child’s identity at this time and would like to give the family privacy during their grieving period.

Lang also said the vehicle involved was a silver Toyota RAV4 and that the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. No criminal charges are currently pending. Speed ​​and impairment are not believed to have been factors in the accident.

Authorities are currently working with the mother, who was nearby when the accident occurred.

“As you can imagine, Mom is having the worst nightmare,” Lang said.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3-year-old boy dies after car crash in Tampa, Florida