Florida: 3-Year-Old Boy Fatally Hits 7-Year-Old Brother with Golf Cart

A tragic incident occurred in Fort Myers, Florida, where a 7-year-old child passed away after sustaining critical injuries in an accident involving a golf cart driven by his 3-year-old brother, as reported by law enforcement officials.

The Florida Highway Patrol provided details of the incident, stating that the 3-year-old was operating the golf cart on private property located on Orange River Boulevard on Monday, ABC News reported.

As the cart approached a curve near a residence on the street, it collided with the 7-year-old brother, who was standing in front of the home at the time.

The news release from the Florida Highway Patrol did not offer any explanation as to why the 3-year-old was driving the golf cart.

Emergency services promptly transported the 7-year-old to the hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.

The child operating the golf cart did not sustain any injuries, according to officials. It was noted that the child was not wearing a seat belt or a helmet during the incident.

Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.

Florida Toddler's Parents Might Face Charges After the Fatal Accident

Local attorney Jill Prenger expressed her belief that the incident involving the golf cart was a terrible accident, leading her to believe that the owners of the golf cart or private property are unlikely to face criminal charges, according to WINK.

She noted that if charges were to be filed, it could potentially be against the parents. However, given the circumstances, she finds it difficult to envision how it would play out legally.

Prenger mentioned that culpable negligence and child neglect are potential criminal charges, with child neglect being a third-degree felony and culpable negligence a first-degree misdemeanor.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) stated that they are still investigating whether the 7-year-old was in the golf cart at any point and how the 3-year-old was able to operate it.

FHP Lieutenant Greg Bueno expressed his condolences to the family and mentioned that investigators would determine if charges are appropriate.

There is also an ongoing question of whether the older brother was in the golf cart at any time. FHP emphasized that this tragedy serves as a reminder for parents and adults to exercise extreme parental oversight when children have access to any form of motor vehicles, such as golf carts or ATVs.

FHP aims to uncover the circumstances leading to the tragedy and identify lessons that can be shared with the community.

New Florida Law Requires Minors To Have License to Operate Golf Cart

In response to concerns regarding minors driving golf carts in Florida, a new state law has been passed requiring anyone under the age of 18 to possess a permit or driver's license to operate a golf cart, per CNN.

This legislation, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, will take effect on October 1.

Although the law does not specify the age at which minors become eligible to drive golf carts, it stipulates that all minors must obtain a permit or driver's license to legally operate a golf cart in Florida.

In the state, individuals must be at least 15 years old and have parental consent to obtain a driving permit.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 6,500 children sustain injuries related to golf carts annually across the United States, with slightly over half of those injured being children under the age of 12.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 3-year-old fatally hits brother while driving golf cart in Florida - From NBC News