Toddler Dies In Tragic Parkland Accident

PARKLAND, WA - An 18-month-old girl was hit by a truck in a church parking lot and died Tuesday night, police said. The accident occurred at Lamb of God Christian Community Church at 131st Street South and Pacific Avenue South. The child was transported to an area hospital where emergency personnel attempted to revive her but were unsuccessful.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, deputies learned that at the time of the accident, a 35-year-old woman in a Chevrolet Avalanche was parked in front of the church and talking to a relative who had approached the driver's side window.

She left shortly thereafter, but when she reached a stop sign at Pacific Avenue South, she noticed a commotion behind her. A small child was lying in the street and the father had run out to the child.

The woman in the Avalanche then drove the mother and child toward the hospital. After calling 911, they were instructed to wait at a parking lot where they were met by paramedics who took them to the hospital via ambulance.

The truck's driver has been fully cooperative with the investigation and showed no signs of impairment, according to deputies. The investigation has not yet found any witnesses to the accident or anyone who saw the child after she left the church building.

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