Broward sheriff’s detectives said the child’s mother was driving the SUV.
WEST PARK, Fla. — An 18-month-old boy died after he was struck by an SUV in his family’s driveway in West Park on July 7, Broward County sheriff’s officials said.
Authorities identified the child as Wilson Mathias Jr. Detectives said the boy was hit shortly after 2 p.m. on the 100 block of Allen Road. His mother, Ericka Hernandez, was driving a Chevrolet Suburban when the child got outside and entered the vehicle’s path, officials said.
The boy was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Carey Codd said the case appeared to be accidental. “Mother was driving her vehicle out of her driveway,” Codd said, adding that she did not know the child had left the home.
Investigators have not said how the child got outside or whether anyone else was in the home at the time. The sheriff’s office said detectives were still reviewing the circumstances. No charges had been announced as of Wednesday.
The crash happened in a residential part of West Park, a Broward County city north of Miami Gardens. The vehicle involved was described as a Chevrolet Suburban. Authorities said the mother stopped after the child was struck, and emergency crews responded.
A fundraiser created by a relative described the family as united in grief. The page remembered the boy as “Wilsito” and said the family was seeking help with expenses after the sudden death.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains open, with detectives continuing to gather details about the driveway crash.
Author note: Last updated July 8, 2026.