77-year-old driver hits mom and kids in crosswalk, killing 6-year-old, FL cops say

A mother and her two children were hit by a truck while walking to school, leaving two injured and a 6-year-old girl dead, Florida officials say.

Deputies responded to Tampa’s northwest side at about 7:40 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, and arrived to find the woman and her kids injured after being struck while crossing a street, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman and her 10-year-old son were taken to hospitals for treatment, but her daughter was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies say the woman was “properly utilizing a pedestrian crosswalk” when 77-year-old Isain Ledesma turned onto Sheldon Road and struck the family.

“Ledesma did have a green light,” deputies said. He’s cited for violation of the right of way with death.

“An ordinary walk to school turned into an unimaginable tragedy for a family who should have simply been starting their day together,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This is a heartbreaking reminder that every second behind the wheel carries responsibility, especially when children are walking to school. Slow down and stay alert, so no other family endures this kind of pain.”

This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 10:32 AM with the headline "77-year-old driver hits mom and kids in crosswalk, killing 6-year-old, FL cops say."