Nine-year-old Girl Struck, Killed By Car; Third Child Hit In 5 Days In Rose Park
Sep 17, 2018, 10:20 PM | Updated: 11:22 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Salt Lake CityPolice Department says they’re concerned after three children were hit in separate crashes, in under a week. Police say all three crashes happened in the Rose Park area. Two of the children were seriously injured and a 9-year-old girl, Maggie Joa, was killed.
Like a lot of little girls her age, Maggie loved a lot of things.
“She had countless amounts of teddy bears,” said her brother, Taylor Fluckiger. “She loved to collect rocks.”
But Maggie especially loved her dog, Max, and her family says Max only had eyes for Maggie.
“She loved and cared for that dog,” said Taylor, laughing. “He was equal to everybody, equal to me probably.”
On Saturday, Maggie was outside with Max, when he slipped out of her arms.
“She was chasing her dog out into the street and while doing so, a vehicle did strike her in the road,” said Det. Robert Ungritch.
The crash happened close to Maggie’s home, near 1400 West 500 North. Police say the girl was struck by an SUV. A bystander tried to do CPR, but couldn’t save Maggie.
Her family believes speed may have also been a factor in her death.
“Normally people don’t slow down on this street,” said Taylor. “The driver was going fast enough to where the doctors say Maggie was killed on impact.”
While police say it’s too early to determine what happened exactly, they say they’re bringing in a specialized team to investigate.
“The reason they’re brought in is we treat these cases so seriously that we want to make sure everything is ruled out before we make a determination as to the cause of that accident,” said Det. Ungritch.
Police say they’ll investigate speed and toxicology, but say the investigation could take weeks. They also ask drivers to be mindful of their surroundings, especially driving in areas where kids are out playing.
Maggie’s family hopes the answers come soon, and that no one else has to experience this kind of heartbreak.
“I want people to know that they should be careful,” said Maggie’s sister, Samantha Fluckiger. “I don’t ever want anyone to feel this way.”
“It’s a piece of me gone that can never be replaced,” said Taylor. “It’s a feeling I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. I love her that much.”
