Girl, 3, dies after being struck by pickup truck in Fort Lauderdale

Family friend backing out of driveway accidentally runs over girl

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A 3-year-old girl died after being struck by a pickup truck in the driveway of her home in Fort Lauderdale, police said.

The incident happened at 2 p.m. Saturday outside a home on Northwest 14th Court.

Fort Lauderdale police said a truck was backed into the driveway of the home. The driver pulled the pickup forward while the girl was running alongside the truck in the driveway.

The truck struck the girl, which resulted in serious life-threatening injuries, police said. The girl was taken to Broward Health Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The girl's 16-year-old brother told Local 10 News that she was struck by a family friend.

"He didn't see my sister in front of the car," Rashad Carmilius said.

Carmilius said he came outside and found his bleeding sister lying on the driveway.

"She was conscious," Carmilius said. "I know that because her eyes were looking at me."

The girl was identified by family members and police as Minouche Carmilius.

"I don't know what to say," the driver told Local 10.

Police said the driver, identified by police as Puterson Despinass, 22, won't face charges.


About the Authors

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

Troy Blevins is a Digital Content Editor who has been with Graham Media Group since 2012.

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