PPD: Hitzman Park crash that killed 6-year-old girl ruled accidental; no charges filed
A child was killed in a traffic incident at Hitzman-Optimist Park on Langley Avenue late Tuesday afternoon, according to the Pensacola Police Department.
The incident occurred around 5:22 p.m. in the park's parking lot and involved a 6-year-old girl, according to PPD spokesman Mike Wood. He said the incident was determined to be accidental.
According to Wood, the child's family had been playing at the park and was loading up their vehicle to leave. They did not realize the 6-year-old was still outside the car as they began to pull away, and the girl was struck and injured.
The family transported the child to Sacred Heart Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
Wood characterized the incident as a terrible accident and said no charges will be brought against the driver. He added that no drugs or alcohol were involved.
Located at 3221 Langley Ave., Hitzman Park is heavily utilized by children and families, with features such as soccer and baseball fields, a disc golf course, picnic areas and an inclusive playground that was installed in March 2019.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola police investigating child killed at Hitzman-Optimist Park
