The toddler's mom sobbed hysterically when the paramedics tried to save her son who was heading to Play City with her to celebrate his special day.
A toddler, eager to celebrate his third birthday with friends, tragically passed away while on his way to a children's party venue on May 27. "His mother was taking him to play at the Play City to celebrate his 3rd birthday when he was tragically struck by a car," stated the GoFundMe. Josiah Caleb Toleafoa's mother sobbed hysterically as paramedics tried to save the young boy's life, a witness to the entire terrible experience told NBC San Diego. He was in the parking lot of a Play City in the San Diego region at the time of the accident.
Josiah Toleafoa was on his way to Play City to climb and slide and celebrate his 3rd birthday with other children when tragedy struck.
— NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) May 30, 2023
https://t.co/Mh9DezlLYr
Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in reviving him since Josiah passed away at Rady Children's Hospital. The 36-year-old driver of the vehicle remained at the site and cooperated the entire time, police sources shared. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to have played a role in the collision.
Tatiana Toleafoa, the toddler's aunt, is devastated that "a beautiful soul was taken from our family way too soon," she wrote on a GoFundMe set up to raise funds for the grieving family. "We want to be able to put him to rest to say goodbye and never forget the little boy who loved with a tremendous heart," she wrote. "As his family, we mourn for the life he won’t get to have and the heartbreak all those left behind will have to face," the grieving aunt wrote.
My bio-mom’s friend just lost her grandson, he was just 3 years old and the family could use any help you could provide. RT if you can please. 🙏🏽https://t.co/nddnBD5Cu5
— Brissia Jimenez🕹️ (@BDoodles) May 29, 2023
Chula Vista police are currently investigating what happened and have not disclosed any information linking the tragedy to reckless driving. However, several parents who visit the neighborhood report seeing dozens of speeding cars. “Cars sometimes drive maybe over the speed limit with no intention of stopping. They look at you crazy, they just don’t care,” Theresa Arrocha, a mother from the neighborhood shared with CBS 8.
Other families expressed disbelief that something so horrific could occur. Nonetheless, they noted that the disaster has made parents more cautious of their children when walking from the parking lot to shops.
Anything is greatly appreciated and thank you to everyone who has donated 🤍👼🏽
— ashley janeli (@ashley_janeli) May 31, 2023
Fundraiser by Tatiana Toleafoa : Raise Josiah Toleafoa's Funeral expenses https://t.co/2emdQmv9ak
“It's hard sometimes, it can be seconds where you turn around to put something in the car and they run. So she’s (daughter) pretty active. I got to keep her by my side, holding her hand most of the time,” said Zaira Zamudio, another parent from the neighborhood escorting her daughter to a playground.
The family is grateful for all the support extended to them in this difficult time. Tatiana wrote a heartfelt post on Facebook, thanking all the individuals that donated to her fundraiser. "I wanted to express my appreciation to those that donated to my nephew Josiah’s GoFundMe so far and thank you to those who are even thinking about doing it later... I am also so so grateful for those sharing the link to get it out there and sharing his story and getting his life and story recognized. We are just so grateful, really," she wrote.
References:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-josiah-toleafoas-funeral-expenses
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe
