ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Gray News) – Police say a Maryland family is living “every parent’s worst nightmare” after their 2-year-old son was hit and killed by a car that he ran out in front of.
Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson says police received multiple calls about the incident just before 4 p.m. Tuesday. The victim, 2-year-old Cody Aguilar Gomez, was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
“My heart is heavy because the reality is it’s every parent’s worst nightmare that’s come true for the Gomez family,” said Jackson at a Wednesday press conference.
Police say Cody’s mother and her children were getting out of their car in a parking lot. The 2-year-old was sitting on the sidewalk while the mother got another child out of the car, WBAL reports.
That’s when police say Cody “stepped off the curb” and ran in front of another car, which hit him.
Jackson called the incident a “very horrific and tragic accident.” He says the driver who hit Cody was initially not aware of what happened, but once he learned about the boy’s death, he contacted police.
Police say that after consulting with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office, they believe there was no criminal intent involved on the part of the driver.
“My thoughts and my prayers are with the Gomez family,” Jackson said. “I can’t imagine the pain that they’re going through now. Most of us can’t imagine as we go throughout our day that we would lose our 2-year-old child.”
He asked for prayers for the family from everyone in the state.
“We all are deeply saddened at this most horrific accident,” he said. “All of our hearts ache and grieve with the family.”
In a statement, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said he was devastated by the loss of “this bright, young light” and offered his condolences to the Gomez family. He also thanked the driver for coming forward and “doing the right thing.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
