MELBOURNE, Florida — A devastating accident in Melbourne, Florida has claimed the life of a 3-year-old boy and left his mother seriously injured. The child ran into traffic on Dairy Road on Sunday evening, and his mother, in a desperate attempt to save him, was also struck by a vehicle.
According to the Melbourne Police Department, the incident occurred after the mother and son exited a parked vehicle in the center lane of Dairy Road. The toddler darted behind a trailer they were pulling, entering the path of a 2009 Honda Pilot traveling northbound on Dairy Road.
Both the child and his mother sustained serious injuries from the collision. Tragically, the 3-year-old was later pronounced dead. Details regarding the mother’s condition have not been released by authorities at this time.
The young boy has been identified as Cayden Denny by his loved ones. Friends and family have set up GoFundMe campaigns to support the devastated family during this difficult time. In a heartbreaking post on one of the campaigns, a family friend described Cayden as “the coolest little boy and his family’s pride and joy.”
The boy’s grandmother also created a separate GoFundMe page, expressing the family’s anguish. “My family is torn to pieces. My daughter, Cassie & her husband, Johnny lost their baby boy,” she wrote.
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities have confirmed that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the accident.
As of Tuesday afternoon, over $13,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe campaigns to help cover funeral expenses and support immediate family members who reside outside the area.
This devastating tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance, particularly when children are present. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.