A one-year-old Florida toddler, Tucker Morgan Dockins, tragically died on Wednesday, April 23, after chasing the family dog into oncoming traffic. Tucker was struck by two vehicles and was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his severe injuries.
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According to WESH, the terrible accident occurred at around 8:21 p.m. on North Halifax Avenue. Moments before the accident, both Tucker and the family dog were inside their home. The dog, somehow, managed to escape the house. Tucker, then, chased the dog and eventually entered oncoming traffic.
According to the Daily Mail, Tucker was struck by a 2003 Honda CR-V first. This initial collision sent the toddler into the southbound lane of North Halifax Avenue. There, a 2021 Chevy Silverado struck Tucker.
Upon arrival, the responding officer was rushed to a local hospital. However, given the gravity of his injuries, Tucker Morgan Dockins succumbed to his injuries just one hour after the accident.
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William Rhodes, Daytona Beach Police Department Director of Operations, empathized with Tucker's parents, choosing not to place any blame on anyone.
"I don't want to hold anybody accountable for what they did or didn't do last night," Rhodes said, as per WESH. "Obviously, those of us who are parents we know that little kids are quick [and] fast. I guarantee you that they (the parents) are dealing with major trauma today."
"At this point, it just seems to be a very tragic accident that we are having to work through here, and help the family get through."
According to Fox 35, both of Tucker's parents and the two drivers involved in the accident were cooperating with authorities during the investigation.
Resident Garry Faile talked with WESH about Tucker. Faile, who has a dog of his own, remembered how Tucker and his dog greeted him and his dog, always under the supervision of his parents.
"I used to walk my dog and the dog would come out and greet my dog," Faile said. "The kid would kind of run out of the car sometimes, but never more than halfway through the yard. The parents were always good about calling the dog and the kid and keeping an eye on them."
"I'm just shocked they got on the road. I really am," Faile added.
A GoFundMe was set up to raise funds for Tucker's cremation and private viewing. Tucker was described as a sweet, loving boy who always enjoyed being by his big sister's side."
"He had a special bond with his dog companion, who was his constant playmate and friend," the GoFundMe read.
