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A toddler was killed after a driver trying to park slammed into the boy and his firefighter dad at a Georgia shopping center, according to authorities.
Off-duty Gainesville firefighter Samuel Skelton was holding his 22-month-old son, Knox Skelton, at the Limestone Marketplace on Wednesday when the deadly crash unfolded, the Gainesville Police Department said in a statement.
Teresa Parker, 68, was attempting to park a 2024 Ford Edge in a handicap parking space when she “inadvertently accelerated” over the curb, striking the father and tot, police said.
“Samuel was there, holding his 22-month-old son, Knox. Had his back to everything, didn’t even know what was coming, didn’t see what was coming,” Gainesville Police Capt. Kevin Holbrook said, according to Atlanta First News.
Knox was airlifted to a children’s hospital in Atlanta, where he succumbed to his injuries, authorities added. Samuel suffered minor injuries but did not require medical attention, according to cops.
The boy was just shy of turning 2 before his tragic death, according to a fundraiser for Samuel and his wife, Kiana Skelton.
“Sammy and Kiana Skelton recently experienced a heart-wrenching loss when their beloved son, Knox, who was just shy of his second birthday, passed away in a tragic accident,” said the fundraiser.
The toddler always traveled with his monster trucks, loved going to the park, and “swinging on the swings on his daddy’s off days,” according to a heartbreaking obituary.
“He ran the fire station like he owned the place and loved driving the fire truck just like his daddy. He preferred cookies and snacks over eating an actual meal,” the obituary continued.
In a statement, the Gainesville Fire Department encouraged the public to keep the devastated couple in their prayers.
“As many of you have heard by now, one of our own and his wife experienced a heartbreaking tragedy yesterday—one that no parent should ever have to endure,” the fire department wrote.
“Samuel and Kiana Skelton are two of the most humble, caring, and genuine people you could ever meet. Our department is heartbroken by this tragedy, and we ask that our community surround the Skelton family with love, prayers, and support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” the statement continued.
“Members of public safety are often called upon to respond to some of the most heartbreaking and unimaginable situations our communities face. We train and prepare to handle these difficult moments, but nothing can prepare you for when tragedy strikes one of your own.”
An investigation into the deadly crash remains ongoing, police said.
Parker remained on the scene and has not been charged.
“This was just a tragic accident, altogether. You had an elderly female who did not intentionally do this,” Holbrook said.