6-Year-Old Killed, Mother and Brother Injured After Tampa Crosswalk Crash: Driver Cited for Fatal Right-of-Way Violation

A 6-year-old girl was killed, and her mother and 10-year-old brother were seriously injured after a pickup truck struck them in a Tampa crosswalk Tuesday morning, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

The crash happened shortly before 7:40 a.m. at the intersection of Mohr Road and Sheldon Road, as the family was walking to school.

Authorities say the victims were legally crossing within the crosswalk and had the signal to proceed when a 77-year-old man driving a Dodge pickup truck turned from Mohr Road onto Sheldon Road and struck all three pedestrians.

The young girl died at the scene. Her mother and brother were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with injuries including multiple broken bones.

At a press conference, Hillsborough County Undersheriff Thomas St. John confirmed that the driver had a green light but failed to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrians — a violation of Florida traffic law.

“The family was properly in the crosswalk,” St. John stated. “They had the signal to cross the road. The driver did have a green light, but as drivers, it’s important and imperative for us to pay attention. Pedestrians always have the right of way.”

Authorities said the driver will be cited for a right-of-way violation involving death, which carries a $1,000 fine and a six-month suspension of driving privileges.

Investigators noted that speed and impairment were not factors, and the driver was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.

The intersection where the crash occurred is not a designated school crossing zone, and there was no crossing guard present, according to law enforcement.

Families in the area frequently use that route to walk children to nearby schools, particularly during morning hours when traffic is heavy and visibility can be low.

Undersheriff St. John urged drivers to slow down and remain alert during school commute hours, saying:

“On behalf of Sheriff Chronister, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that tragedies like these today can be avoided.

Put down your phones, stop texting, pay attention to the road in front of you—especially in areas where there are families walking their children to school.”

He described the crash as a “terrible tragedy”, adding: “This is unimaginable. Our hearts go out to the family.

Florida Law: Right-of-Way and Pedestrian Protections

Under Florida Statute §316.130, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk with the proper signal, even if the driver has a green light.

Failure to yield in such circumstances — particularly when it results in death or injury — constitutes a moving violation and may lead to civil and criminal penalties.

While the current charge against the driver is a non-criminal traffic citation, law enforcement or prosecutors may later pursue vehicular homicide or careless driving resulting in death charges if evidence suggests negligence rose beyond a simple violation.

In addition, victims’ families may bring a civil wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26) against the at-fault driver to seek financial compensation for their loss.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims in Crosswalk Accidents

When a pedestrian is struck in a marked crosswalk, liability typically rests with the driver unless the pedestrian entered against the light or outside the crosswalk. In this case, authorities confirmed that the mother and children had the walk signal, and thus the driver is presumed to have been negligent.

Surviving family members may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills for the injured mother and child
• Loss of companionship, love, and parental guidance
• Emotional distress and pain and suffering
• Lost income and support if the parent cannot work due to injuries

In cases involving children, the emotional and psychological toll on the surviving family can also be factored into compensation.

Because Florida operates under a comparative negligence system (§768.81), even if the pedestrian is found partially at fault, the family may still recover damages proportionate to the driver’s degree of responsibility.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Pedestrian Tragedies

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in pedestrian, crosswalk, and child injury cases across Florida.

Our firm has extensive experience in investigating negligent driving, right-of-way violations, and municipal safety failures, working to hold both drivers and entities accountable.

When you choose our firm, you receive:

• Direct communication with experienced attorneys — not only case managers.
• Comprehensive investigation of the crash scene, vehicle data, and signal timing.
• Collaboration with accident reconstruction and human factors experts.
• No upfront costs — you pay nothing unless we win.
• Compassionate, bilingual support for your family throughout the legal process.

We handle every case with the care and urgency it deserves, knowing that families deserve justice, not excuses.

Contact a Tampa Wrongful Death and Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you or your family have been affected by a fatal crosswalk accident in Hillsborough County, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

You pay no legal fees unless we win your case, and we cover all costs related to your claim.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we stand for Florida’s families — fighting to make our communities safer and to ensure that no parent endures a tragedy like this again.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.