2-year-old boy dead after darting into path of truck in Dade City neighborhood

Child hit, killed by car after running into street

Heartbreak shattered lives on Hilltop Farms Drive on Friday after a little boy was hit and killed by a driver in a residential neighborhood. Briona Arradondo reports.

DADE CITY, Fla. - Heartbreak shattered lives on Hilltop Farms Drive on Friday after a little boy was hit and killed by a driver in a residential neighborhood.

Timeline:

The Florida Highway Patrol said a two-year-old boy and his father were out walking along Hilltop Farms Drive on Friday when the toddler ran out into the street and was hit by a pickup truck.

READ: Child taken to the hospital after school bus crash in Davenport

"I came out and there’s blood on the street, blood on a sheet, people crying," said Mark Keene, a neighbor who lives a few houses away from the grieving family.

It happened just around 11:20 a.m., near Pindos Drive. Awilda Marrero, who lives close to the scene, said she was out walking her dog in her backyard at that time.

"I got up in one of my chairs, and I heard screaming. I just saw the dog and the man, and then I called 911," said Marrero.

MORE: Veterans Day weekend kicks off with a blast on Friday

What we know:

FHP along with Dade City police and other first responders, came to the scene, blocking off the road for the investigation. SkyFOX flew over the residential development, and investigators marked the asphalt.

"They had a helicopter land in these fields right here. They had to medevac the kid out," said Keene.

The two-year-old boy died at the hospital from his injuries. 

"It really bothers me. I have two sons, and I can’t even imagine my son walking out from the driveway and getting hit by somebody," said Keene.

READ: Armed Pasco County firefighter accused of tailgating driver arrested in ‘road rage’ incident again: PCSO

FHP said the 20-year-old driver and his 18-year-old passenger were not hurt. 

Some neighbors shared concerns about speed through the quiet residential area. Troopers said the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Investigators have not shared if the driver will be cited.

What they're saying:

Neighbors said they are holding the grieving family in their prayers.

"Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry for your loss. I was praying for your grandchild. Unfortunately, he’s in heaven now. I hope God gives you the peace that you need right now," said Marrero.

FHP normally handles serious crash investigations for Dade City, according to Dade City police. The police department said they offered services to help the family get through this terrible time.