18-month-old girl hit by car, killed

Troopers: Driver failed to see girl in road

Published On: Jan 27 2012 11:54:54 AM EST  Updated On: Jan 27 2012 09:20:00 PM EST

The child got away as her grandmother was unloading the car and headed toward the road. The 18-month-old's uncle says the driver didn't stop but returned 10 minutes later. He says he would've sacrificed himself.

BAKER COUNTY, Fla. -

An 18-month-old girl walked into traffic, was struck by a car and killed Thursday evening in Baker County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

State troopers said a car driven by 55-year-old Valerie Ferdon, of Glen St. Mary, was heading west on County Road 127 at about 6:20 p.m.

Troopers said the girl, Autumn Smith, of Glen St. Mary, was on the north shoulder and entered the roadway. They said Ferdon failed to see the girl, who was struck by the car.

According to the Baker County Sheriff's Office, the girl was one of five children staying with their grandmother. Deputies said the woman was putting the children into a car when the girl wandered off and onto the roadway.

The home fronts County Road 127.

David Hunter, the girl's uncle, said he ran and tried to save her.

"I was here. I was the one who tried to revive her. Tried CPR, but she was dead instantly," said Hunter.

Hunter said he would have pushed Smith out of the way and sacrificed himself if he was there in time.

Troopers said charges are pending.

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