The 22-month-old son of a Gainesville firefighter died Wednesday after he and his father were hit by a car while window-shopping in a shopping center parking lot in Gainesville, Ga., police say. Knox Skelton, the toddler, was with his father, Samuel Skelton, a Gainesville firefighter, when the incident occurred.
According to Gainesville Police, Samuel and Knox Skelton were window-shopping at the Limestone Marketplace when a driver in a white SUV accidentally accelerated over a curb while parking, striking them. Police Captain Kevin Holbrook noted that Samuel had his back to everything and did not see what was coming.
Knox suffered critical injuries and was subsequently flown to a hospital in Atlanta, where he later died. His father, Samuel, was also injured but did not require medical treatment, police stated. Captain Holbrook confirmed that Samuel Skelton and his wife, Kiana Skelton, were able to travel to Atlanta to say goodbye to Knox before his death. Holbrook described the emotional toll, stating that even those who typically compartmentalize their feelings are affected by the loss of a young child in the community.
The driver, identified as a 68-year-old woman, remained at the scene following the accident and cooperated with officers. She is not currently facing charges. Captain Holbrook characterized the event as a “tragic accident,” emphasizing that the elderly female driver did not intentionally cause the incident.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Officials have taken the car as evidence and are examining its brakes and tires. Additionally, police will review cellphone data as part of their inquiry. Captain Holbrook stated that once the investigation is complete, the case will be handed over to the district attorney or solicitor general. It is at that point, he noted, that the driver could potentially face criminal charges, with a decision expected within weeks.
The Gainesville Fire Department released a social media post Thursday, sharing a photo of the Skelton family. The department described Samuel and Kiana Skelton as “humble, caring, and genuine people” and expressed that it was “heartbroken by this tragedy.” The department asked the community to surround the Skelton family with love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
The fire department also acknowledged the profound impact on its own staff who responded to the crash, noting the realization that the incident involved one of their own. These staff members are “carrying the weight of this tragedy,” the department stated. In a testament to community support, members of the fire department organized a fundraiser to assist Samuel and Kiana Skelton. As of early Sunday, the initiative had successfully raised more than $65,000.