3-year-old dies in Florida after being hit by car while riding bike with mom, siblings

 A 3-year-old boy died after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Florida, authorities say

Around 7 p.m. on July 25, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7500 block of Pitch Pine Circle in Tampa after a report that a toddler was struck by a vehicle, officials said.

Deputies said the toddler was riding his bike with his mother and siblings in the Place One Condominiums parking lot when a Toyota RAV4 then turned a corner and hit the child.

The 3-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

"This is a devastating and heart-wrenching tragedy for everyone involved," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they navigate this unimaginable grief."

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'All they could do is pray': Police share more details on accident during press conference

During a press conference held on Thursday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shared more details about the crash.

The investigation is currently in the beginning stages. However, the department shared that the crash took place at an unfortunate time.

"Right before this 3-year-old's life was tragically taken, he was doing what any child would do," Media Relations Manager, Jessica Lang, said at the conference. "It's the summer time. He was riding the bicycle with his siblings and his mom not far behind."

Lang said that when deputies arrived at the scene, "all they could do is pray."

“Our deputies are moms, they’re dads, and to see a child who is deceased by an unfortunate and tragic accident is heartbreaking,” Lang said.

Officials are currently not releasing the child's identity and would like to give the family privacy as they grieve.

Lang also said that the vehicle involved was a silver Toyota RAV4 and that the driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. There are no criminal charges pending at this time. Speed and impairment are not believed to be factors involving the accident.

The authorities are currently working with the mom, who was close by when the accident happened.

"As you can imagine that mom is going through the worst nightmare,” Lang said.

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