Grants Pass, Oregon – On March 16, 2024, tragedy struck in the parking lot of a business on Fruitdale Drive near Highway 238 when a five-year-old girl was fatally struck by a vehicle. The incident, reported to Grants Pass Police Dispatch at approximately 11:24 a.m., prompted a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency services.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers from the Grants Pass Police Department were joined by first responders from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, American Medical Response (AMR), and Grants Pass Fire/Rescue. The young victim was found with serious injuries, and emergency medical aid was administered immediately. She was subsequently transported to Three Rivers Medical Center by AMR, but despite the medical efforts, she tragically succumbed to her injuries.
Due to her tender age, the identity of the victim has not been disclosed by the authorities.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident was promptly initiated by Grants Pass Police Detectives, with support from an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) pilot and a police crash reconstructionist. Through interviews with witnesses, it was established that the vehicle involved in the accident was unoccupied at the time of the incident. The owner of the vehicle, identified as a 74-year-old man, had parked the car and exited it in the parking lot. However, he soon realized that his truck was rolling backward and attempted to intervene by opening the door to halt its movement. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain, and the truck collided with the young girl before coming to a stop against another parked vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle has been fully cooperative with investigators, and there is no indication at this time that alcohol or other controlled substances played a role in the tragic accident.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information relevant to the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing efforts. Individuals can contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260.
The community of Grants Pass mourns the loss of the young girl and extends its heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.