Family: Cousin accidentally struck Macclenny baby with car

1-year-old boy was taken to the hospital where he died

MACCLENNY, Fla. – A 1-year-old boy died Tuesday night after he was struck by a car driven by his cousin in Macclenny, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said Colton Graham was hit around 10:35 p.m. when he ran out to South 9th Street at South Boulevard West in Baker County.

The 40-year-old man driving a Lincoln Town Car crossed into the northbound lane to avoid pedestrians in the southbound lane when Colton ran out into the northbound lane.

FHP said the man was unaware the toddler was in the street and came to an immediate stop.  Family members said it was an accident.

Colton was transported to Ed Fraser Hospital where he died.

On Wednesday, Colton's family spent most of the day at their home, sitting outside just a few feet from where the little boy was hit. His mother provided News4Jax with photos of Colton, but was too devastated to speak.

Xavier Ruse, one of Colton's cousins, said it makes the tragedy worse knowing a member of the family was driving the car.

"He was a nice, sweet little boy; an innocent baby," Ruse said. "Just pray for the family. Keep them lifted with prayers."

The driver is cooperating with investigators and charges are pending, troopers said. It's unclear if any adults were nearby when the boy was hit.