A toddler was killed earlier this week when he was accidentally struck in the driveway of his family's South Florida home by an SUV driven by his mother, authorities said.
Officials said Hernandez's nearly 19-month-old son, Wilson Matias Jr., ran out of the home and was struck by the vehicle. The boy was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital, roughly four miles away, where he was pronounced dead.
No additional details about the extent of the child's injuries were provided. However, authorities said detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit believe the fatal crash was accidental and that the investigation remains ongoing.
"Our hearts are completely shattered. No family is ever prepared for such a profound loss; in these incredibly difficult times, we are trying to stay united as we navigate this immense grief," the statement reads in Spanish. "Our beautiful boy will always be remembered with love; our sweet Wilsito will live on forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten."
According to Kids and Car Safety, an average of 50 children are backed over each week in the United States because the driver was unable to see them, with more than 70 percent of these incidents involving a parent or close relative behind the wheel.
The nonprofit notes that children under the age of 5 are most at risk, though the most common age of backover victims is between 12 and 23 months.
"Children don’t want to be left behind when they hear the words 'bye-bye,'" the organization shared. "Many times children follow behind the person who is leaving. The driver is unaware the child snuck out, thinking they are still safe inside. The child stands behind the vehicle where they cannot be seen and is backed over."