Town stunned by death of toddler
NEW CANAAN — Lucas “Lukey” Richard McGee was “cherished by all who knew him,” an obituary for the nearly 2yearold boy fatally hit by a car Tuesday said.
New Canaan police released the boy’s name Wednesday night.
The obituary said the 23monthold New Canaan boy was born Dec. 31, 2017, at Stamford Hospital to parents Conner and Kate McGee, according to his obituary.
“He was cherished by all who knew him,” it said. “His smiles and hugs brightened everyone’s day and his uncontrollable belly laugh when tickled provided hours of fun for everyone around him.”
The obituary said the boy had “endless love” for the outdoors and would carefully choose the right pair of shoes before heading outside each morning to check out — as he called them — the “car cars.”
He attended the New Canaan Nature Center Preschool. In lieu of flowers the family asked for donations to the New Canaan Nature Center in Lucas’ name.
“He loved all things related to food and mealtime, always taking care to use a fork, even if endeavoring to eat Play Doh at school, as reported by a dear friend to the family the day before he passed,” the obituary said.
Lucas is survived by his parents, siblings, his grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, best friends and dog.
In the obituary the family also
expressed gratitude for all the first responders, as well as the emergency room and bereavement staff at Norwalk Hospital. The family also thanked local reverends for their support.
A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan.
Lt. Jason Ferraro said the department was not releasing any additional details Wednesday night since “the investigation is still ongoing.”
The New Canaan Police Department received a 911 call at 8:42 a.m. Tuesday about a young child that had been struck by a vehicle in the driveway of a North Wilton Road home, Ferraro said.
“The gravely injured child was transported to Norwalk Hospital, where emergency room personnel provided emergency care. Despite the valiant efforts of many first responders, and emergency room personnel, the child succumbed to grave injuries,” Ferraro said.
In the obituary the family also expressed gratitude for all the first responders, as well as the emergency room and bereavement staff at Norwalk Hospital. The family also thanked local clergy for their support.
In town, there was also sympathy for the person who was driving the vehicle.
“I think we are all in such a rush, doing 100 things that we are too distracted. We need to be more aware and take the extra steps to know where children and pets are,” Angela Dann said.
“My heart really goes out to the person who was driving,” Robert Carley said. “It will take a really long time for a person to get over this,” he said.
“What a horrible time of year for this to happen,” he added.
”We have to be so very careful when children are around.” And “we need to remember the fragility of life,” he said.
Jocelyn Carley, a nanny, said “I have the pressure of being responsible for taking care of another person. The number one priority is safety. Slow down. Never be in a hurry when you are with kids,” Jocelyn said.
“It is horrible and I am sure that the person who did it will have a very hard time,” said Janice, who did not want to give her last name.
This incident is under investigation by the New Canaan Police Accident Reconstruction team as well as members of the Wilton and Darien police departments’ accident reconstruction teams.