In a heartbreaking accident, a 33-year-old mother unintentionally ran over her 19-month-old son while reversing her SUV in the driveway of their West Park home in Broward County, South Florida.
Young Wilson Matias Jr. tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital, with authorities labeling the incident as a tragic accident.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office reported that the unfortunate event occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday on the 100 block of Allen Road.
Ericka Cante Hernandez, originally from Guatemala, was driving a white 2024 Chevrolet Suburban in reverse when her toddler unexpectedly dashed out of the house, crossing the vehicle's path.
Emergency responders quickly transported the child to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where he sadly passed away due to his injuries.
BSO spokesperson Carey Codd described the incident as "a truly tragic accident" in a statement shared with the Miami Herald.
The Mother's Legal Status
Currently, no charges have been filed against Hernandez. Investigators have deemed the collision accidental and do not suspect any criminal intent. Nonetheless, the BSO Traffic Homicide Unit continues to delve into the incident.
Details remain unclear regarding how the toddler managed to leave the house or whether other adults were present at the time.
The grieving mother, visibly shaken, expressed her sorrow in Spanish to NBC 6 South Florida, stating, "I have no words."
A Family's Grief
Wilson's sister, Ashly Cante, spoke to local media, overwhelmed with emotion. "He was my little brother, my first little brother. He was a good boy, he loved to play, he was always with us. I can't speak right now," she shared with NBC 6.
In another interview with WSVN 7News, Ashly described her mother's heartache: "She's heartbroken right now. She doesn't want to talk to anyone. She has no words and is devastated."
A neighbor familiar with the family mentioned, "I've never seen those kids outside without a parent. They really love their children, they play with water, with balloons. They truly live for their family."
Community Support
On Tuesday, West Park Mayor Felicia M. Brunson visited the family to offer her condolences and support. "This is a tragic situation, and we just wanted to let them know that the City of West Park cares about them," Brunson told WSVN 7News.
Outside the home, a pair of the child's purple Crocs stood as a painful reminder, next to a red sign that read, "Drive like your kids live here."
Documented Risks in Residential Driveways
Wilson Matias Jr.'s death marks the third incident involving a young child in Broward County within a week, following two hot car deaths in Plantation and Hallandale Beach.
Backover accidents in residential driveways are a significant and well-documented hazard. According to Kids and Car Safety, about 50 children are struck each week in the U.S. by drivers reversing without visibility, with two fatalities each week.
The most vulnerable age bracket is between 12 and 23 months—exactly where Wilson fell.
The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban involved in the accident is equipped with a rearview camera, parking assistance sensors, and rear cross-traffic alerts from the factory. Authorities have not confirmed if these systems were functioning properly or if the mother utilized them during the incident.
A Community’s Farewell to "Junior"
In memory of the beloved Wilson, affectionately called "Junior" by his family, loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral and memorial expenses. “No family is ever prepared for such a profound loss,” reads the page.
Wilson Matias Jr. would have celebrated his second birthday in December.
Understanding Backover Accidents
What is a backover accident?
A backover accident occurs when a vehicle reverses and strikes a person, typically because the driver did not see them. These incidents often happen in residential driveways or parking lots.
How common are backover accidents in the United States?
According to Kids and Car Safety, approximately 50 children are hit each week in backover accidents in the United States, resulting in about two fatalities weekly.
What safety features can help prevent backover accidents?
Modern vehicles are often equipped with rearview cameras, parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alerts to help drivers detect obstacles or people behind the car while reversing.