Pasco County, FL : Nine-year-old boy and dog hit by van and killed in Land O' Lakes on June 18th 2014

During a morning dog walk near their Land O' Lakes home, Anita Pallares and her two sons, Jorge and David Cruz, likely saw the van coming.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators report John Ryals, driving an appliance company work van, didn't see the trio, and plowed into them.

He told investigators shadows from a large tree impaired his view.

Jorge, 9, who just completed 3rd grade at Pine View Elementary School, died at Bayonet Point Medical Center.

The tragedy played out in front of Cody Draughon’s house.

“It's completely awful. I feel for the families. I just hope that they get the care that they really truly deserve,” he said.

A large stroller, likely pushed by the boy's mother, lies in pieces in a nearby dumpster. A neighbor buried the family dog, also killed in the collision, in his back yard.

The attorney for the family talked to people at the crash scene, trying to reconstruct how it happened.

He describes the father as totally distraught.

“It's obviously an extremely tragic situation. The father is barely able to say any type of words at all. Unfortunately his nine-year old-son passed away today,” said Gil Sanchez.

Sanchez believes David Cruz, age 7, who just finished first grade at Pine View, could be released from the hospital on Thursday.

He told reporters the family has many questions about this crash.

Recovery for Anita Pallares could be 4 to 6 months.

Source :
Boy, dog killed in morning crash in Land O' Lakes