A TOWN IN MOURNING
VIGIL PLANNED TO HONOR 2-YEAR-OLD GIRL STRUCK, KILLED IN PARKING LOT OF YMCA
Flowers and stuffed animals sit on bench outside the Haverford YMCA, not far from spot in parking lot where a 2-year-old girl was struck and killed Saturday.
HAVERFORD >> The community continues to mourn the tragic loss of a 2-yearold girl who was struck and killed by a car in the parking lot of the township YMCA Saturday afternoon, police said.
The busy facility, frequented by thousands of patrons each day, reopened Sunday after closing in the wake of the incident Saturday afternoon.
Flowers adored a bench outside the YMCA near the spot where the toddler was killed.
A vigil is planned for Tuesday evening to mourn the tragic accident. The candlelight vigil will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Paddock Park, 214 W. Hillcrest Road in Havertown.
Police have not yet released the name of the victim until they confirm relatives out of state have been notified.
“The mother and girl were walking toward their car when she ran away, and sat down,” said Haverford Police Chief John Viola. “The mother was calling her and waved. We’re viewing video but it is from a distance.”
A driver pulled into the parking spot and never saw the girl sitting there, striking her. The girl was treated at the scene and then rushed to Lankenau Hospital, where she died.
“The driver is devastated,” said Viola. “He is from Havertown and stayed at the scene.”
On Monday police were back at the facility on Eagle Road, which has become one of the most popular and congested spots in the township since it relocated from Ardmore, where it was known as the Main Line YMCA, in
2013. The Y’s membership tops 27,000 with as many as
2,000 patrons visiting the site every day.
As the facility became more popular, YMCA officials have expanded parking, including demolishing a home at Lawrence and Eagle roads for staff parking spots. During busy times of the day YMCA staff assist with parking at the lot.
Brian Hoffman saw reports of the accident on the Havertown Community Facebook page and had two thoughts: Worry for a friend’s daughter who swims at the Y about the same time; and compassion for those involved.
He is organizing the Tuesday vigil, though he had never tried anything like this before. He said he decided to do something for the community as a whole.
“We’re thinking about all the people involved,” said Hoffman by phone Monday as he finalized plans for the event. “The man who struck the child must be going through hell, I can’t imagine. This was an accident in every sense of the word.”
Hoffman has been in contact with the Rev. Henry McKee, pastor at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Manoa, where the little girl’s family are members, and Tim Denny, Haverford director of parks and recreation, for permission.
McKee was not available for comment but a woman at Scared Heart confirmed a public event was being planned. She said the church was not involved.
Hoffman said there will be a musician and a local pastor at the vigil.
“The family may never know this took place but it is a matter of sharing our love for them and our community,” said Hoffman.
Police continue to indicate the incident was simply a horrible accident.
The accident occurred just before 12:30 p.m.
YMCA President Shaun Elliott, who oversees several YMCAs in the region including the one in Haverford, said, “Unfortunately it’s one of those accidents that really could happen anywhere and it doesn’t make it any easier.”
The official said the organization is ready to assist all involved in the incident, including staff, family of the little girl and the driver.
Elliott offered condolences to the family of the girl. He also met with the girl’s father and called it wrenching.
“Everyone is very sad,” said Elliott.
Elliott said the YMCA is offering counseling support to the staff, for those directly involved and any other staff who may feel need to talk.
Elliott said they will be reaching out to the driver to offer their support and they offered thanks to the police and medical crews involved.
He said at an appropriate time they will have a proper memorial for the child.