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3-year-old boy hit, killed by vehicle in Spanish Fork

Posted at 4:19 PM, Jul 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-19 23:21:44-04

SPANISH FORK, Utah -- There was a somber mood Wednesday night in a Spanish Fork neighborhood after a 3-year-old boy was hit and killed in the middle of a summer afternoon.

Lt. Matt Johnson with Spanish Fork Police says it was pouring rain around 3 p.m. when a mother told her children to stay inside while she went to get a sibling from a neighbor’s house.

“He did not follow mother’s instructions and then left the residence,” Johnson said.

Trying to catch up to mom, the 3-year-old boy left the house and got on his bike. He was in the middle of the road when a neighbor started to back out of her driveway. A witness driving by saw as she hit the young boy.

“He immediately drew attention to the driver by honking his horn," Johnson said. "He assisted with moving the vehicle and calling 911."

The little boy was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away.

“The driver of the automobile, she was transported by ambulance as well; she was very distraught,” Johnson said.

Police do believe the weather played a factor.

“I know the driver probably couldn’t hear very well because of the rain on the automobile, as well as could’ve prohibited some visibility,” Johnson said.

The rain also prevented an air ambulance from taking off, although police don’t believe that could’ve saved the boy’s life.

“I don’t believe it would’ve made a difference. There were some pretty significant injuries,” Johnson said.

A tragedy leaving this tight community reeling, along with the first responders.

“I was on scene and I noticed that some of our officers were having a difficult time,” Johnson said.

A heartbreaking accident without any real lessons to learn.

“It’s a very tragic situation and I don’t believe there’s anything that could’ve prevented this,” Johnson said.

At this point no charges have been filed. Spanish Fork Police say they’ll forward their report to the city attorney’s office to be screened, but they believe it was just a tragic accident.