North Carolina officials said that a boy wandered away from his parents’ home and was struck by multiple vehicles earlier this week, according to local media reports.
WSOC-TV reported on Nov. 1, that the boy, Bruce Fleming, was killed Monday near Patterson Springs.
He died about 300 feet from his home and was hit by two vehicles, the report said, adding that he was wearing dark clothing at the time.
A driver saw the child on the shoulder of the road and attempted to save him, but it was too late.
Family members told the outlet that he went out of the home during a 15-minute time period when his grandmother took the boy’s father to work and the rest of the family was asleep.
“We are heartbroken over the tragic and sudden loss of little Bruce. Bruce’s parents are utterly devastated by the death of their beloved only son, whom they adored and doted on. We request that you keep the family, witnesses to the accident, and first responders in your thoughts and prayers,” said the family in a statement.
The driver who hit the boy likely won’t be charged, officials said.
“It’s not a matter of neglect because they were responsible parents,” the boy’s grandfather, Tommy Fleming, explained to
WBTV about the situation.
“Bruce Fleming was a delightful, energetic, happy toddler. His family was looking forward to celebrating his third birthday this weekend. However, because of a tragic accident, his devastated parents will be planning a funeral for their baby instead,” the
GoFundMe page reads. “The parents and family are utterly devastated and heartbroken over the loss of this beloved child.”
The page added: “Bruce’s parents, David and Chelsea, adored and doted on Bruce. They delighted in taking him on outings to the fair, and to parades, and playing with him outdoors. They worked hard at multiple jobs to support and provide for their young family. The parents and family are utterly devastated and heartbroken over the loss of this beloved child.”
Bus Stop Tragedies
This week, several children were struck—some fatally—by vehicles at bus stops around the United States. On Nov. 1, three children and two adults were hit by a vehicle in Tampa, Florida, and one of the children was critically injured (the aftermath can be seen in the top video). The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene of the crash, and it’s not clear if he will be charged, reports said.On the same day, a 7-year-old child was killed by a hit-and-run driver in central Pennsylvania, ABC News
reported.
Earlier in the week, three young siblings were killed at a bus stop in Indiana after a driver hit them with a pickup truck. The driver, identified as Alyssa Shepherd, was charged with
reckless homicide. Police officers stated that Shepherd ignored the bus’s lights and stop sign, and she attempted to speed past the bus.
