West Park, Florida — A South Florida family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a 19-month-old boy after deputies say he was accidentally struck by his mother’s SUV while she was leaving the driveway of their West Park home.
The tragic incident happened shortly after 2 p.m. Monday on Allen Road, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the child as Wilson Matias Jr., affectionately known by loved ones as “Junior.”
Deputies Say Toddler Ran Into Driveway
According to investigators, Wilson ran out of the family’s home just as his mother, Ericka Cante Hernandez, 33, was backing out of the driveway in a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban.
Deputies said Hernandez accidentally struck her son with the SUV, leaving the toddler critically injured.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene and rushed Wilson to Memorial Regional Hospital, where doctors attempted to save his life.
Despite their efforts, the 19-month-old later died from his injuries.
Investigators said there is currently no indication that the crash was intentional, but detectives continue working to determine the full sequence of events.
Mother Says She Is Devastated
Following the tragedy, Hernandez briefly spoke with Local 10 News in Spanish, saying she had no words to describe what had happened and that she was devastated by the loss of her son.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office stated that detectives believe the incident was a tragic accident, although the case remains under active investigation.
Officials have not announced whether any additional actions will be taken once the investigation is complete.
Family Remembers ‘Junior’
Family members described Wilson as a joyful little boy who loved spending time with his siblings and playing around the house.
His older sister, Ashly Cante, said learning about the tragedy left the family in complete shock.
“I was in shock because that was my first little brother,” said Ashly Cante. “He was a good kid. He liked to play. He was around with me and my brothers.”
Relatives said Wilson brought happiness to everyone around him, making the sudden loss even more difficult for those closest to him.
Community Rallies Around Grieving Family
As the family copes with the unimaginable tragedy, loved ones have created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.
The heartbreaking accident also serves as a reminder of the dangers that can exist in residential driveways, especially when young children are nearby.
Safety experts have long encouraged parents and caregivers to double-check around vehicles before moving them and ensure toddlers remain closely supervised whenever cars are entering or leaving driveways.
Authorities have not released any additional information as detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking tragedy? Have you seen communities come together to support families after unexpected loss? Share your condolences and thoughts respectfully in the comments below.