LAKELAND, Fla. — A couple visiting from Massachusetts was hit and killed by a car just feet away from their 7-year-old daughter, Lakeland police said.
It happened shortly before 11 p.m. at the intersection of South Florida Avenue and Imperial Boulevard. Police said a 22-year-old woman was driving southbound on South Florida Avenue in a Toyota Yaris just as 54-year-old Ronald Jeanbaptiste and 46-year-old Yanique Pierre were attempting to cross eastbound in the crosswalk at South Florida Avenue.
Both pedestrians were hit by the front of the Yaris, police said. Their daughter was not injured.
Multiple crews from Lakeland police and fire rescue, in addition to Polk County Fire Rescue, responded to the crash. Despite attempting life-saving measures, both pedestrians died at the scene.
The Yaris driver remained at the scene and wasn't hurt, police said. The roadway was shut down for about four hours.
Preliminary evidence shows the driver had a green light while driving through the intersection. She did not show signs of impairment, according to police. No charges or citations have been filed.
Police say the child has been placed in the care of family members.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.