Local

Troopers: 18-month-old dies after father backs over her in driveway

WAXHAW, N.C. — A family tragedy has neighbors grieving. The Union County Sheriff's Office said it was called to a Waxhaw home Monday afternoon after a little girl was hit by a vehicle.

"They're really sweet. It's just tragic for that to happen," said Megan Free, who lives next door.

The Union County Sheriff's Office is investigating after an 18-month-old girl was run over in her own driveway.

North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers initially responded to a 911 call for a fatality involving a motor vehicle.

Law enforcement sources told Channel 9 they found the girl unresponsive with head injuries.

Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey told Eyewitness News the girl's father left the house, intending to run an errand, while his three young children were playing in the backyard. When the father went back inside to grab his wallet, investigators said, the girl left the backyard and went to the driveway.

Authorities said when the father backed out of the garage, he struck the little girl.

Union County detectives are interviewing family members at Carolinas Medical Center - Waxhaw, where troopers said the girl died.

"We're going to pray for you and we're here if you need us," said Free.