A preschooler was killed when a driver crashed into the playground where she and another child were playing.
Kiara Morant, 18, was driving an SUV around 4:30 pm when she crashed into a fenced playground area where two girls were playing at the Imagination Station Learning Center Preschool in Arcadia, about 90 miles southeast of Tampa.
Maleena Valdez, 4, was identified as the child who died. A GoFundMe campaign was started for the preschooler, Josephine Valdez told the FOX 13 Tampa: “All she was doing was playing in the playground. We just want her back. We want her back.”
According to a crash report, Morant who did not have a valid driver’s license was traveling on East Magnolia Street in a Jeep Cherokee when she drove over a raised concrete curb, hit a street sign, crossed the sidewalk, and crashed into a chain-link fence at the corner of the preschool.
Troopers said the Jeep then drove into the playground, where it struck several other wooden-support posts and playground equipment. The two girls who were playing in that area were struck by the vehicle, which eventually stopped after crashing into a tree.
Maleena was taken to Gulf Coast Hospital where she died, while the 5-year-old girl was taken to DeSoto Memorial Hospital in serious condition. Josephine said: “We said our last goodbye to her last night, holding her hand. Just begging, please come back. Please don’t go.”
FHP said the driver was placed under arrest for not having a valid driver’s license and booked into the DeSoto County Jail. The crash remains under investigation.
Morant was later identified as a Tampa resident by ABC affiliate WFTS. PEOPLE could not find contact information for Morant nor identify an attorney who can speak to the charges on her behalf.
Police told WTVT that Morant was released from jail before Valdez died, and she may now face additional charges.
Trooper Ken Watson told FOX 13: “Right now this driver faces several felony charges, just based simply upon the fact that she was not properly licensed. Flat out should not have been behind the wheel at the time.”
A memorial with balloons and toys was set up outside the playground following the deadly crash.
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