A one-year-old girl has tragically died after running into traffic during a family day out at a Florida beach. Avery Lynn Sexton was enjoying a Memorial Day outing at New Smyrna Beach when she was struck by a vehicle, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
Incident Details
The accident occurred on Saturday, and the driver remained at the scene until authorities arrived. Avery was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. The Sheriff's Office stated that speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash. They expressed their deepest condolences to the family.
Witness Account
Witness Mia Leporn described the scene as heartbreaking. She told News 6 that the little girl was face down in the sand, and people were screaming and crying. She called it a very tragic event.
Family's Response
Avery's father, Dante Sexton, described her as a light in anyone's day and the happiest little girl one could meet. Her aunt, Alyssa Jasmine, remembered her love for water and her contagious laugh. The family is now advocating for a ban on driving on the beach. Alyssa suggested that driving lanes should be one-way and speed limits reduced to five mph from ten mph, noting that there is not enough room for two-way traffic.
Memorial and Fundraiser
A memorial has been placed on the beach near the crash site, featuring flowers, a pink bow, and a photograph. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $16,000 of its $18,000 goal to cover funeral and memorial expenses. Avery's mother, Felicity Dionisi, shared that she will be cremated. A private memorial service is scheduled for Sunday.
