A relative said the family was not prepared for the sudden loss.
WEST PARK, Fla. — Relatives are mourning 18-month-old Wilson Mathias Jr. after Broward sheriff’s officials said he was fatally struck by an SUV in his family’s driveway July 7.
The child’s mother, Ericka Hernandez, was driving the Chevrolet Suburban when Wilson got outside and moved into the vehicle’s path, detectives said. The crash happened shortly after 2 p.m. on Allen Road. He was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and died from his injuries.
Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Carey Codd said investigators believe the crash was unintentional. “At this time, this appears to be accidental,” Codd said. Officials said detectives were still looking into how the child left the home before he was struck.
The family’s grief became public through a fundraiser created by Joselyn Gomez, a niece of Hernandez. The message said no family is ready for such a loss and described Wilson as a loved child whose memory would remain with the family.
The sheriff’s office has not announced charges. Officials also have not released a final report on the sequence of events, who was nearby or what witnesses told investigators. The case remains under review by Broward detectives.
The death drew attention in South Florida because of the child’s age and the location of the crash, a family driveway. Authorities described the case as a tragedy for the people involved and said no foul play had been suspected.
As of Wednesday, the family was preparing for funeral expenses while investigators continued to review the fatal crash.
Author note: Last updated July 8, 2026.