The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said speed and impairment did not appear to be factors.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A 2-year-old girl died Saturday after she ran into a beach traffic lane near East Seventh Avenue and was struck by a vehicle, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.
The crash happened about 4:30 p.m. on the beach, where vehicles are allowed in marked areas. Chitwood said the child was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. The driver stayed at the scene, and investigators did not believe speed or impairment played a role.
Crime-scene tape stayed up for hours as Volusia sheriff’s detectives photographed the area and reviewed what happened. Witnesses said the vehicle was an Infiniti SUV. Jacob Myers, who saw the aftermath, said people began screaming and running after the child was hit. “It’s terrible,” Myers said, describing a family beach trip that turned into a tragedy.
The sheriff’s office said the child entered the traffic lane before the collision. Officials had not released the child’s name or the driver’s name as of late Saturday. Investigators also had not announced any charges. Chitwood said the agency sent its deepest condolences to the child’s family.
New Smyrna Beach is one of Volusia County’s drive-on beach areas, where cars and pedestrians share limited space along the sand. Beach driving rules include low-speed travel, headlights and close attention to pedestrians. Witness Mia Lepore said the scene was filled with crying and panic after the crash.
Detectives remained on the beach until about 8 p.m., collecting photos and documenting the scene. The sheriff’s office said the case remained under investigation, with more information expected if officials release additional findings.
Author note: Last updated May 24, 2026.