A New Smyrna Beach toddler’s family day ended in tragedy after she ran into a beach traffic lane.
A 22 month old girl died after she was struck by a vehicle during a family outing at New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida, authorities and family members said.
Avery Lynn Sєxton was at the beach with her family over Memorial Day weekend when she ran into a designated traffic lane on the sand, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. on May 23.
Deputies said the driver remained at the scene. A preliminary investigation found that speed and impairment did not appear to be factors in the crash, according to reports citing the sheriff’s office. People reported the sheriff’s office confirmation, and Fox 35 Orlando reported the family’s account and the ongoing safety concerns.
Avery was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ. Her family has described the loss as unimaginable.
Her father, Dante Sєxton, told Fox 35 Orlando that Avery was the “happiest little girl you could ever meet.” He said she was energetic, bubbly, and loved the beach.
“She was just a light of anybody’s day that met her, really,” Dante told the station.
Family members said Avery loved the water and the color pink. A small memorial now sits near the crash site with flowers, a pink bow, and a pH๏τo honoring her memory.
Witnesses Describe a Traumatic Scene
Witnesses told local media that people began screaming and running toward Avery after the crash. Mia Lepore told WESH 2 that the scene was deeply traumatic.
Another witness, Jacob Myers, also described the moments after the crash as chaotic and heartbreaking, according to local reports.
A GoFundMe created to help Avery’s family with funeral and memorial expenses described her as a child with “so much spirit” who could “light up a room just by being herself.” The fundraiser had raised more than 15,000 dollars by Wednesday, according to People. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The family said Avery will be cremated, and a private memorial service is planned.
Beach Driving Rules Face New Scrutiny
Vehicles are allowed on certain parts of New Smyrna Beach and other Volusia County beaches. The current speed limit in beach driving areas is 10 mph, according to local reporting.
After Avery’s death, her family called for changes to beach driving rules. Dante Sєxton told Fox 35 Orlando that he never imagined his family would face this kind of loss, but he has long opposed vehicles being allowed on the beach.
“Because stuff like this happens,” he told the station. “I mean, she wasn’t even two years old.”
Avery’s aunt, Alyssa Jasmine, told WESH 2 that the beach driving lanes should be one way and that the speed limit should be lowered from 10 mph to 5 mph. She said there is not enough room for vehicles moving in both directions near families and children.
New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s best known beaches, and Memorial Day weekend brought large crowds to the area. Families often visit to swim, relax, and spend time together near the water.
For Avery’s family, the beach was also a place she loved. That has made the tragedy even harder to process.
Local residents and visitors are now debating whether cars should continue to share beach space with children, umbrellas, chairs, and families. Some argue beach driving is a long standing local tradition. Others say Avery’s death shows the risks are too high.
Officials have not said that the driver was speeding or impaired. The investigation remains focused on the circumstances of the crash, while Avery’s family is calling for changes that could prevent another tragedy.
A Family Left With Grief and a Message
Avery’s death has touched people far beyond Volusia County. Her story spread quickly because it began as a normal family beach day and ended with a loss no parent expects.
Her family is now asking the public to remember her joy, her laugh, and the love she brought into their lives.
At the same time, they want leaders to look again at beach driving rules. Their message is simple. A beach filled with children should be as safe as possible.
For now, a small memorial in the sand marks the place where Avery’s family and community are grieving. It also marks the spot where a painful question now hangs over one of Florida’s most famous beaches: how can a place meant for family memories be made safer for the next child?
