Lakeland, FL (DMN) – A tragic incident occurred in Florida on Wednesday, where an Everett couple lost their lives after being struck by a car. The heartbreaking part is that their young daughter was just a few feet away when the accident happened, witnessing the whole ordeal.
Two individuals, Ronald Jeanbaptiste, 54, and Yanique Pierre, 46, tragically lost their lives at the intersection of South Florida Avenue and Imperial Boulevard in Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday night.
According to the police, a pedestrian was hit by a white Toyota Yaris driven by a 22-year-old resident of Lakeland while crossing South Florida Avenue in a crosswalk.
Police officers arrived at the scene around 10:49 p.m. Despite the efforts of first responders, Jeanbaptiste and Pierre were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
According to authorities, the Everett couple had been lodging at a hotel close by, accompanied by their 7-year-old daughter. She was just a few feet away from her parents when they were tragically hit while attempting to cross the road. Fortunately, she escaped unharmed and is now under the care of her family.
The driver of the Yaris emerged unharmed as well. She stayed at the scene. According to the police, she had a green light as she passed through the intersection.
No environmental factors were at play, and she showed no apparent signs of impairment at the scene. The road was closed for approximately four hours following the tragic accident.
The investigation is still in progress. No charges have been filed.
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