A one-year-old girl has died after running into traffic during a family day out at a Florida beach. Avery Lynn Sexton was struck by a car on New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
The driver remained at the scene and authorities said speed or impairment did not appear to be factors. Avery was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. Witness Mia Leporn described the scene as “heartbreaking”, with people screaming and crying.
Avery’s father, Dante Sexton, said she was “the happiest little girl you could ever meet”. Her aunt, Alyssa Jasmine, added that she loved the water and had a contagious laugh. The family is now calling for a ban on driving on the beach, suggesting one-way lanes and a reduced speed limit of five mph.
A memorial has been placed at the crash site with flowers, a pink bow, and a photograph. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $16,000 towards funeral expenses. A private memorial service is scheduled for Sunday.
