Avery Lynn Sexton: Dad remembers daughter hit, killed on beach; 'Happiest little girl you could ever meet'

Florida dad remembers daughter hit, killed at New Smyrna Beach

Avery Lynn Sexton was the "happiest little girl you could ever meet," her dad, Dante Sexton, told FOX 35's Marie Edinger. Little Avery, who would have turned 2 in July, darted into a traffic lane on the beach, where she was hit. She died at the hospital. On Monday, a makeshift memorial with photos and notes was created on the beach.

Little Avery Lynn Sexton was the "happiest little girl you could ever meet." She was energetic, bubbly, liked to walk and run around, and to play at the beach, according to her dad, Dante Sexton.

"She was just, she was the, she was just a light of anybody's day that met her, really," he told FOX 35's Marie Endinger on Monday at New Smyrna Beach, where he gathered with family and friends to remember the little girl.

Avery Sexton died on Saturday after she was hit by a car while on the beach, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office. Deputies said it appears that the young girl darted in front of a car on the beach. 

VSO said the driver stayed at the scene after the crash and that it does not appear that the driver was speeding or driving while impaired.

Remembering Avery Sexton

Driving on the beach

Dante said he never thought his family would be one to suffer a tragedy like this: "It's definitely an unreal moment."

While people are allowed to drive and park in designated areas on New Smyrna and other beaches in Volusia County, he said he's always been against people being allowed to drive on the beach. He mentioned concerns about people partying, drinking, potentially driving, etc.

"Because stuff like this happens. I mean, she wasn't even two years old," he said.

What they're saying:

FOX 35 asked a few people who were at the beach on Monday about their thoughts on driving on the beach:

• "It’s our responsibility as adults to watch out" - John Gori
• "I feel like it allows families to have more opportunity to maximize their space and really be able to enjoy the beach" - Kaila McKinney
• "It can be safe, but maybe crosswalks or parents need to make sure they're stern with their kids" - Kaitlynn Dyer

On Tuesday, Matt Reinhart, County Councilman for District 2, released a statement:

"First and foremost, my heart breaks for the family of this young child. As a parent, grandparent and as a member of this community, I cannot imagine the pain they are experiencing after such a tragic accident.
 
Based on the information currently available, this appears to have been a heartbreaking accident involving a driver who was complying with all county rules and regulations regarding beach driving. My understanding is it appears that by all accounts, the child unexpectedly ran into the path of the vehicle, leaving little or no time for the driver to react. This was not the result of reckless behavior, but rather a devastating and unforeseen tragedy.
 
As a Volusia County Councilman, I want the public to know that I continue to support beach driving in Volusia County. Beach driving has been part of our culture, history, and economy for generations, and many residents and visitors value the accessibility it provides for families, seniors, and individuals with mobility limitations.
 
I also believe Volusia County has taken a balanced approach by maintaining both driving and non-driving beach zones. That system allows families to choose the type of beach experience they prefer while preserving an important tradition that is unique to our area.
 
Right now, our focus should remain on supporting the grieving family and allowing a full review of the incident to take place with compassion and respect."