Woman, toddler dead after struck by vehicle in Kings Mountain, police say

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Police in Kings Mountain were investigating an overnight crash that killed a woman and her toddler.

Officials said that the collision happened along Cansler Street around 4 a.m.

Authorities told Channel 9 that 30-year-old Clarissa Ussery was walking with her 15-month-old boy, Kaidence "Tuda" Clemons, in her arms on the south side of Cansler Road when the driver, who was traveling north, crossed the roadway and struck them.

Police said the driver, Danny Cooke, remained on the scene and no charges have been filed.

Clarissa’s brother, Chavis Clemons, came out to document the scene of the crime.

"I have never lost anybody close to me ever, until today. It's very unreal. It hasn't really sank in,” Clemons said.

Grandmother, Faye Ussery, said her grandson, Kaidence, normally stayed with her in Atlanta. Kaidence had just been reunited with his mother.

"He left with her happy. The last time we seen him he was very happy and he was just smiling,” said Ussery.

Witnesses said that Clarissa Ussery was still holding her son when she died at the scene. Her son was pronounced dead in the hospital.

The driver of the truck saw the mother at the last minute and did not realize she had a child with her, police said.

"It was an accident. I'm very forgiving for the situation as far as it is right now, but I feel for him and his family as well," said Clemons.

Family members are more concerned about the other person at the scene. Police said that after the crash a man yelled, “You hit my baby” and asked the driver to back up. He disappeared before police arrived.

Police are looking for that man.

The victim’s family is also concerned with why Clarrisa Ussery was on the streets with her baby at 4 a.m.

"Why was she in the road at that time? What caused that?" asked Chavis.

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