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) revealed that the incident happened on private property around 4 pm on Monday, July 17. The toddler was maneuvering the golf cart around a curve near their home, lost control, and veered off the path, hitting his brother who was standing in the front yard.
Emergency services transferred the critically injured seven-year-old to a local hospital, where despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was later pronounced dead.
In their official statement, the FHP confirmed the relationship between the two children. However, it remains uncertain whether an adult was present and supervising the younger boy during the incident.
In response to this tragedy, the FHP has launched a formal investigation to determine how the toddler was able to get behind the wheel of the golf cart.
“That’s an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts and our prayers go out to this family,” said Lt. Greg Bueno from the FHP.
The ongoing investigation will ascertain if charges of child neglect should be brought against anyone.