RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — Raleigh Police confirm the girl accidentally hit by a truck towing a float during the Raleigh Christmas Parade is dead.
Police say the accident happened around 10:14 a.m. near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Boylan Avenue when the driver said he lost control of the truck. He hit the child at low speed, police said.
Despite rescue efforts, the child died. No other parade participants were injured.
The driver, Landen Christopher Glass, 20, faces charges of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, reckless and reckless driving, improper equipment, dangerous movement and carrying a firearm during a parade.
People said they heard the driver shouting from the window of the truck that he had lost control and could not stop the vehicle.
“I just saw them coming down the street really fast and you can tell it wasn’t like gas, like they weren’t gassing, it was rolling, sort of down the street. They were freaking out, yelling at people to pull it out like you can tell they’re freaking out,” parade participant Melissa Stephens said.
A group of people, including first responders, ran towards the truck towing the float in an attempt to stop it.
“People came in and helped grab it, slow it down a bit. They tried to slow it down when it got to this point,” John Jones said.
Christy Curtis, owner, CC & Company Dance Complex released a statement Saturday night:
“We are devastated. Our dance family is a tight-knit group and today our hearts are broken. We are working closely with authorities to determine what happened and why.”
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said her heart aches for the girl injured in the parade. She expressed it grief in a post on Twitter.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the young girl who lost her life today in the Raleigh Christmas Parade. Our prayers go out to her family, friends and the dancers of CC & Co. The community is here for you as we try to understand and process this shared tragedy.”
Governor Roy Cooper released a statement on Twitter sharing his condolences with the family.
“Kristin and I are devastated by the tragedy of today’s Raleigh Christmas Parade. In a joyous season on what should be a happy day, we rather mourn this family and their friends as we keep them in our prayers. .-CR”
“Our hearts and prayers are truly with the family at this time and just with everyone involved in this event. That’s all we can do is ask people to pray now and lift them up.” , Jennifer Martin of Shop Local says Raleigh.
Raleigh Police statement on the incident:
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and those who witnessed this tragic incident. The victim’s family has requested privacy during this very difficult time.”
The Raleigh Christmas Parade was officially canceled due to the incident.
Copyright © 2022 WTVD-TV. All rights reserved.
Cnn
