A Florida toddler was killed in a crash early Thursday morning after leaving the family apartment, authorities said.
Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office received a call at around 3:30 a.m. reporting a 3-year-old child who was struck by a car.
The toddler succumbed to their injuries at St. Joseph's Hospital. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and is cooperating with detectives.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said that the victim's parents were found looking for their child when deputies responded to the scene.
Investigators learned that the child had wandered out of an apartment at the Valencia complex through an open door.
“This is a horrific scene even for our most seasoned deputies,” Christopher said.
“As parents, the only place you expect your child should be at 3:30 a.m. is sade and sleeping in their bed. This is a nightmare for everyone involved.”
