7-year-old girl ‘very critical’ after hit by a car outside Miami pharmacy, police say
A 7-year-old girl remains in the hospital in critical condition after being hit by a car outside a Miami pharmacy Monday afternoon, police say.
The girl and her mother were walking into the Navarro Pharmacy at SW 32nd Ave. and 22nd St. around 4 p.m. when a 92-year-old woman drove up on the sidewalk and hit the child with her Nissan SUV, said Officer Michael Vega, a Miami police spokesman.
The woman, whom police have not identified, was parking her car and accidentally pressed down on the accelerator — mistaking it for the brakes, Vega said. She stayed on the scene, according to police.
Paramedics rushed the little girl, whom police have not named, to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She was unconscious and had head injuries when first responders arrived to the store, Vega said.
Her condition remained “very critical” as of Tuesday night, Vega said.
The woman was cited for careless driving and could face more charges, according to Miami Herald news partner CBS Miami.
A GoFundMe created by the little girl’s family has identified her as Stephanie: a “smart, happy and loving 7-year-old girl.”
“This unexpected tragedy has shattered our hearts, and we are turning to you, our community, for help,” wrote Joany Figueredo, the girl’s father. “Stephanie is a bright and joyful little girl with so much life ahead of her.”
He added Stephanie was with her mother when she was struck by the car.
“Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers,” he wrote. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for helping us and Stephanie fight for her life.”
Miami Herald reporter Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report.
This story was originally published September 3, 2024 at 9:28 PM.
