An accident involving a three-year-old operating a golf cart led to the death of a seven-year-old boy in Buckingham, Florida, about 10 miles from Fort Myers.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has confirmed the incident on private property, stating that the toddler lost control of the cart while approaching a curve near their home. The cart veered off its path and struck the seven-year-old boy who was standing in his front yard at the time. The incident occurred around 4 pm on Monday, July 17.
The seven-year-old victim was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite the medical team’s best efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead.
FHP personnel confirmed that the two children were siblings. It is unclear if there was an adult present adequately supervising the three-year-old at the time of the incident.
The FHP has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, specifically how the toddler was able to gain access to the golf cart and end up behind the wheel.
“That’s an unspeakable tragedy and our hearts and our prayers go out to this family,” said Lt. Greg Bueno with the FHP.
Lt. Bueno said that an investigation will determine if anyone will be held responsible for child neglect.
